Design challenges in the development of mixed-signal control IC's for switched-mode power supplies and their solutions

The design of mixed-signal IC's in general, and of mainly digital control IC's for switched-mode power supplies in particular, poses several challenges in terms of simulation and functional verification of the total IC including the application. This is largely due to the lack of suitable simulation tools and/or models for switched-mode power supplies. This paper describes the main design hurdles and gives several examples of suitable solutions, using standard digital design tools. The proposed solutions lead to fast, yet accurate simulation of the analog behavior of the power stage as well as the on-chip mixed-signal blocks. Moreover, the importance of an early physical prototype, using a standard, low-cost FPGA development board, is emphasized.