Patent attributes
A buck-boost power converter is operable in a first mode (step-down) or in a second mode (step-up). The power converter has an inductor, a flying capacitor, a network of six switches and a driver adapted to drive the network of switches with a sequence of states. Depending on the mode of operation the sequence of states comprises at least one of a first state and a second state. In the first state the ground port is coupled to the second port via two paths, a first path comprising the flying capacitor and the inductor, and a second path comprising the flying capacitor while bypassing the inductor. In the second state the first port is coupled to the second port via a path that includes the inductor and the ground port is coupled to the first port via a path that includes the flying capacitor while bypassing the inductor.