Inductive DC–DC Converters

Summary

Inductive DC‐DC converters utilize an inductor for power conversion. As there are switches involved, they are also called switched‐mode DC‐DC converters or, more generally, switched‐mode power supplies. Inductive DC‐DC converters have received significant attention because of their high efficiency compared to linear voltage regulators. This chapter explores the fundamental concepts and characteristics, starting with the buck converter. Hysteretic control and constant on‐time or off‐time control are popular variable‐frequency control methods of DC‐DC converters. Hysteretic control is the most straightforward way of implementing a control loop as the controller is only a comparator. Voltage‐mode control is a widely used and easily implemented control scheme. Frequency compensation is achieved by proper design of the controller transfer function. The flyback converter is preferably operated in discontinuous conduction mode because of easier frequency compensation and better light‐load performance. A rectifier has to be inserted as a preceding stage in front of the DC‐DC converter to process AC input voltages.