A pulse width modulation system for use in a switching power supply circuit provides
high-resolution pulse width modulated signals. The pulse width modulation system
is configured to receive a control signal comprising a (m+n)-bit binary word and
to provide a pulse width modulated signal with a predetermined average duty cycle
having a resolution of substantially 2-(m+n). The pulse width modulation
system includes a timing circuit for providing 2m timing signals, a
dithering circuit, and a signal generator. Upon receiving the control signal, the
dithering circuit is configured to provide a modified control signal, which comprises
a series of up to 2n m-bit binary words. The signal generator is configured
to receive the timing signals and the modified control signal and to provide the
pulse width modulated signal having a duty cycle, which, when averaged over 2n
timing cycles, is approximately equal to the predetermined average duty cycle.
The pulse width modulated signal is used by a switching power supply circuit to
control at least one power switching device.