Analog Circuit Design Volume 2

Chapter 5

Theoritical considerations for buck mode switching regulators

Carl Nelson

Introduction

The use of switching regulators increased dramatically in the 1980’s and this trend remains strong going into the 90s. The reasons for this are simple; heat and efficiency. Today’s systems are shrinking continuously, while simultaneously offering greater electronic “horsepower.” This combination would result in unacceptably high internal temperatures if low efficiency linear supplies were used. Heat sinks do not solve the problem in general because most systems are closed, with low thermal transfer from “inside” to “outside.”

Battery-powered systems need high efficiency supplies for long battery life. Topological considerations also require switching ...