Apple Inc.
Pulse Frequency Modulation Control Methods for Multi-Phase Power Converters with Coupled Inductors

Abstract:

A power converter circuit that includes multiple phase circuits may employ coupled inductors to generate a particular voltage level on a regulated power supply node. Based on a comparison of a voltage level of the regulated power supply node and a reference voltage, the power converter circuit may initiate an active period, during which the phase circuits source respective currents to the regulated power supply node via corresponding coils included in the coupled inductor. After a time period has elapsed following an initiation of the active period, the operation of the phase circuits is adjusted so that the respective currents flowing in the coils of the coupled inductor are out of phase.