Apple Inc.
Rapid Discharge of Power Nodes

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for rapid discharge of power rails is disclosed. A circuit includes a power converter circuit includes an inductor coupled between a switch node and regulated power supply node. A first device is coupled between an input power supply node and the switch node, while a second device is coupled between the switch node and a ground node. The power converter is configured to generate a particular voltage level on the regulated power supply node by controlling the first and second devices. The circuit also includes a control circuit which, in response to receiving a discharge comment, repeatedly activates and deactivates the second device to discharge, via the switch node and the inductor, the regulated power supply node.