Loss Factors

In this article, we examine the relationship between operating conditions and loss increases.

Loss Factors

We have explained that losses occur at various places in a power supply circuit; but the losses at specific places making up the total losses of the circuit become higher depending on the operating conditions. Hence it is necessary to understand the factors that increase losses depending on the operating conditions. Below we have summarized loss factors in relation to various conditions. Calculation formulae for losses are also presented, and should help to further clarify the relation between losses and operating conditions.

Loss Factors that Increase with Increasing Load Current

・Conduction losses due to the ON-resistance of the high-side MOSFET

・Conduction losses due to the ON-resistance of the low-side MOSFET

・Conduction losses due to the inductor (coil) DCR

Loss Factors that Increase with Higher Frequencies

・Gate charge losses

Loss Factors that are Affected by Both the Load Current and the Frequency

・Switching losses

・Dead time losses

These are related to modification of the power supply circuit specifications and changes in the operating conditions. If these relationships are understood, it will be possible to understand what points require attention when re-examining the circuit.