
Philips Semiconductors
Product data
SA57250-XX
CMOS switching regulator (PWM controlled)
2001 Aug 01
11
Period 1: power switch on-time
During this period, a simple circuit loop is formed when the power
switch is on. The input voltage source is connected directly across
the boost inductor (L0). A current ramp is exhibited whose slope is
described by:
IL
(
on) +
V
IN
L
0
Eqn. (1)
Energy is then stored within the core material of the inductor and is
described by:
Esto + 0.5L0
I
peak
2
Eqn. (2)
This current ramp continues until the controller turns off the power
switch.
Period 2: inductor discharge period
The instant the power switch turns off, the current flowing through
the inductor forces the voltage at its output node (switched node) to
rise quickly above the input voltage (spike). This voltage is then
clamped when it exceeds the device’s output voltage and the output
rectifier becomes forward biased. The inductor empties its stored
energy in the form of a linearly decreasing current ramp whose
slope is dictated by:
I
L(off) [
V
IN * VOUT
L
0
Eqn. (3)
The stored energy is transferred to the output capacitor. This output
current continues until the magnetic core is completely emptied of its
stored energy or the power switch turns back on.
Period 3: inductor empty state
DISCONTINUOUS MODE—This period as displayed in Figure 26 occurs
in the discontinuous–mode of operation of a boost converter. It is
identified by a period of “ringing” following the output period
(period 2). The inductor has been completely emptied of its stored
energy and the switched node returns to the level of the input
voltage. Ringing is seen at this node because a resonant circuit is
formed by the inductance of L0 and any parasitic inductances and
capacitances connected to that node. This ringing has very little
energy and can easily be eliminated by a small passive snubber.
CONTINUOUS MODE—If the inductor is not completely emptied of its
stored energy before the power switch turns on again, the converter
is operating in the continuous mode. A small amount of residual flux
(energy) remains in the inductor core and the current waveform
jumps to an initial value when the power switch is again turned-on.
This mode offers some advantages over the discontinuous-mode,
because the peak current seen by the power switch is lower. In low
voltage applications, the inductor can store more energy with lower
peak currents.
The continuous mode waveforms can be seen in Figure 27.
SWITCH
VOLTAGE
(V)
INDUCTOR
CURRENT
(A)
0
SPIKE
+VOUT
+VIN
VIN
(VIN – VOUT)
Ipeak
RESIDUAL FLUX
ENERGY BEING
TRANSFERRED
TO OUTPUT
ENERGY BEING
STORED IN
INDUCTOR
SL01465
L0
Figure 27. Continuous mode waveforms.