2016.02.15
Points of this article
・Understand the differences between the continuous and discontinuous modes.
・Discontinuous mode is widely used in AC-DC converters.
Switching power supplies operate in either continuous or discontinuous mode. Since the present design case involves the use of discontinuous mode operation, this article discusses the two modes. Their advantages and disadvantages are summarized in the table below. The waveforms in the [Operation] column indicate the current that flows in the primary and secondary windings in a transformer. The signs [↑] and [↓] assigned to the keywords denote [Increase] and [Decrease].
In the continuous mode operation, a reverse current flows during rectifying diode reverse recovery time (trr)* at switch-on time, and losses occur due to the reverse current. In low-voltage switching DC-DC converters, the reverse voltage on the rectifying diode is low, with an attendant decrease in the reverse current. As a general rule the continuous mode is used in favor of output ripple voltages.
By contrast, in AC-DC converters a large reverse current flows due to the high diode reverse voltage, resulting in substantial dropout. In many situations the discontinuous mode is employed to prevent occurrence of any reverse currents. However, since this approach entails an increase in peak current, for large loads the converter in some cases is operated in the continuous mode.
Although each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, up to 60W generally the discontinuous mode may be appropriate. In other cases, the particular mode to be used is selected in consideration of the tolerated size of the specific transformer. In this design case, we selected the discontinuous mode to accommodate a 36W output requirement.
Comparison item |
Discontinuous mode | Continuous mode |
---|---|---|
Operation | Presence of a zero current period between OFF and ON prevents a continuous current flow. |
Current flows continuously, which turns on and off at the same frequency as the switching frequency. |
Transformer | inductance ↓, size↓, cost↓ | inductance ↑, size ↑, cost ↑ |
Rectifying Diode |
Fast recovery type , cost↓ | Requires a faster recovery type, cost ↑ |
Switching transistor |
Allowable power ↑, size ↑, cost ↑ | Allowable power ↓, size ↓, cost ↓ |
Output Capacitor |
Ripple current ↑, size ↑ | Ripple current ↓, size ↓ |
Efficiency | Switching loss ↓, efficiency ↑ | Switching loss ↑, efficiency ↓ |
* Diode reverse recovery time
Applying a forward voltage to a PN junction diode causes a forward flow of the current. When a reverse voltage is rapidly applied in this condition, a reverse current not normally occurring for a period time flows. The length of time it takes for the normal condition to recover from this condition is referred to as reverse recovery time.
Basic studies to understand AC-DC converters and to go designing.
Basic studies to understand AC-DC converters and to go designing.