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.sup.-(m+n). The pulse width modulation system includes a
timing circuit for providing 2.sup.m 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 2.sup.n 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 2.sup.n 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.