Alpha and Omega Semiconductor has been granted a patent for a controller in a switching regulator that efficiently manages output voltage levels. The controller activates buck and boost circuits to adjust voltage values, responding to commands for voltage decay. This innovation enhances regulator performance and stability. GlobalData’s report on Alpha and Omega Semiconductor gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on Alpha and Omega Semiconductor, Under-screen biometric identification was a key innovation area identified from patents. Alpha and Omega Semiconductor's grant share as of February 2024 was 92%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Patent granted for a switching regulator controller with buck and boost circuits

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Alpha and Omega Semiconductor Limited

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11876456B2) discloses a controller for a switching regulator designed to efficiently manage power delivery to a load. The controller includes a buck control circuit that generates a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to regulate the output voltage to a specific level lower than the input voltage. Additionally, a boost control circuit is activated to return stored charges from the output capacitor to the input node, decreasing the regulated output voltage further. The controller can switch between these modes in response to commands, such as a decay command, to adjust the output voltage accordingly. During a charge recycle period, the controller provides a status indicator to indicate the regulator is in a decay state, even though it is actively performing charge recycling.

Furthermore, the controller can operate in a multi-phase configuration, generating multiple PWM signals to drive various power stages. Each PWM signal includes an up-ramp and down-ramp portion to control the flow of current and energy between components. The controller efficiently manages the power switches in the power stage to regulate the output voltage and facilitate the return of stored charges to the input node. Additionally, the controller can store incoming commands during the charge recycle period and operate the switching regulator based on these commands once the period is completed, ensuring seamless operation and power management.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.