2016.01.13
Points of this article
・There are AC-DC and DC-DC switching regulators, each providing a variety of conversion methods.
・Selection of a method well-suited for a given design project requires a solid understanding of the pros and cons of each method.
・A key to understanding DC-DC conversion is that switching is employed to chop the energy necessary for the output in terms of time, and the results are rectified and smoothed for re-conversion to DC.
・Essential to evaluating the performance of a switching regulator is a good understanding of the current and voltage waveform in each node.
In what follows, we explain the operating principles of the switching regulator, taking as an example the step-down switching regulator, which is a regulator used most widely.
The step-down DC-DC conversion involves the time-division of a DC voltage (which is referred to as VIN) by means of a switch and smoothing of the results by means of an inductor and capacitor to produce a desired DC voltage. The figure on the right depicts a conceptual circuit for step-down DC-DC conversion and its operation.
In terms of PWM operation, a pulse period is specified so that with S1=ON and S2=OFF the duration of supply of VIN is 25%, and with S1=OFF and S2=ON, the duration of zero-volt (GND) state is 75%. When the obtained pulses are averaged, the result will be a 25% DC. Thus, if VIN is 10V, Vo, which is 25% of VIN will be 2.5V.
In actual PWM, because the load current for the average output fluctuates, over a continuously fixed on-time, the voltage fluctuates as a function of the load current. Since such an operation would not rate as a regulator, when the output falls, the on-time is increased, and more energy is transmitted from the input side to elevate the output voltage. When the output voltage has restored itself sufficiently, the on-time is reduced to stop any further rise in output.
The circuit shown below represents an actual circuit replacing the concept diagram. The switch S1 is replaced with a MOSFET, and S2 with a Schottky diode. The figure also shows the comparison and control circuits that were omitted in the original diagram. This is a typical step-down switching circuit which is referred to as a non- synchronous or diode-rectifying circuit.
The switching waveforms for the actual current and voltage are shown below. S1 denotes a MOSFET switching transistor; D1, a Schottky diode; L1, an inductor; C1, an output voltage; and VIN, an input voltage.
In this article, in the way of a review we explained the operation of a basic switching regulator. For actual evaluation, at each node the current and voltage waveform must be checked. Prerequisite to this exercise is a solid understanding of these basic operations.
Basic studies for linear regulators and switching regulators as a DC-DC converter.
Basic studies for linear regulators and switching regulators as a DC-DC converter.