Switching Power Supplies A - Z

The Topology FAQ

‘deadtime.’ Note that during this time, freewheeling current is maintained via the diode

present across the low-side mosfet.

Question 47: What is ‘adaptive dead-time’?

Answer: Techniques for implementing dead-time have evolved quite rapidly as

outlined below.

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First Generation (Fixed Delay) — The first synchronous IC controllers had a

fixed delay between the two gate drivers. This had the advantage of simplicity,

but the set delay time had to be made long enough to cover the many possible

applications of the part, and also to accommodate a wide range of possible mosfet

choices by customers. The set delay had often to be further offset