Control Algorithm of Modern Switching Regulators

Focus:

This short article classifies digital power control as falling into three architectural categories---conventional analog power control with digital peripheral functions such as serial communications; a microcontroller-based control architecture; and true digital control using a non-sequential machine, hardwired logic implementation. The author argues that this last approach is only justified in discontinuous systems with multiple modes of operation (ex. where the switching regulator needs to operate in PWM mode under normal loads and PFM mode under light loads)

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand the different degrees of digital control that are possible in power supply designs

Notes:

For another viewpoint on the different levels and benefits of digital power control, see "The Role of Digital Control in Power Supplies" by Fanie Duvenhage in Power Electronics Technology, August 1, 2004, online at http://powerelectronics.com/digital_power/design_features/power_control_algorithm_modern/ .

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Author & Publication:

Reno Rossetti, Director of Corporate Strategy for Computing, Fairchild Semiconductor, San Jose, Calif., Power Electronics Technology, Jan 01 2004

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