Sensorless current-mode control of a digital dead-beat DC-DC converter

A digital current-mode controller for dc-dc converters is introduced. The current-mode loop is sensorless, relying on constants and internal loop states; removing the need to sense controlled voltages or currents for the inner loop. Furthermore, a fast current-mode control mechanism is implemented by utilizing dead-beat control. The resulting controller is robust and surprisingly uncomplicated. It is well suited to VLSI integration in a low geometry process. An interesting aspect of this control scheme is that it facilitates the application of a low resolution PWM.