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A step-down converter, or buck converter, reduces output voltage below input voltage using a high-speed switch controlled by a feedback circuit. The operation involves storing energy in an inductor when the switch is on and maintaining current flow through a diode when the switch is off. The duty cycle regulates the output voltage by adjusting the on-time and off-time of the switch to ensure stable voltage levels despite fluctuations.

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2 views1 page

Untitled Document

A step-down converter, or buck converter, reduces output voltage below input voltage using a high-speed switch controlled by a feedback circuit. The operation involves storing energy in an inductor when the switch is on and maintaining current flow through a diode when the switch is off. The duty cycle regulates the output voltage by adjusting the on-time and off-time of the switch to ensure stable voltage levels despite fluctuations.

Uploaded by

zawmin13418
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Step-Down Configuration

A step-down converter (also known as a buck converter) reduces the output voltage to a level lower than the input voltage. The basic operation of a step-down
converter is illustrated in Figure 17–16.

The core of this circuit is a high-speed switch, which rapidly turns on and off, controlled by a feedback circuit that adjusts the on-time and off-time to maintain
the desired output voltage.
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Operation of the Step-Down Converter


Switch ON:
• The switch closes, allowing current to flow.
• The inductor stores energy by building a magnetic field.
• The diode is reverse-biased and does not conduct.

Switch OFF:
• The switch opens, interrupting the direct path of current.
• The inductor's magnetic field collapses, maintaining nearly constant current in the load.
• The diode becomes forward-biased, providing an alternate path for current.
• The capacitor smooths the output voltage.
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Switching Regulation and Control


A switching transistor, commonly a D-MOSFET, controls the input voltage by rapidly switching at a high frequency, as shown in Figure 17–17. MOSFETs are
preferred over BJTs due to their faster switching speeds and lower losses. However, design trade-offs include breakdown voltage, on-state resistance, and
switching time. In some cases, thyristors may also be used.

The pulsed current from the transistor is smoothed by an LC filter:

• The inductor stabilizes the current, preventing sharp fluctuations.


• The capacitor stabilizes the voltage, reducing ripple.

Since inductors and capacitors ideally do not dissipate power, efficiency remains high. However, in practice, some losses occur. To minimize component size and
cost, switching frequencies are typically high (e.g., 20 kHz), though this can introduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), requiring shielding and EMI filters.

Because the switching device operates mostly in cutoff or saturation, power loss is relatively small, even though instantaneous dissipation can be high.
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Duty Cycle and Output Voltage Regulation


The switching transistor's on-time (t_on) and off-time (t_off) determine the duty cycle (D):
​ D = (t_on/T)

where T is the total switching period:


​T = t_{on} + t_{off}

The output voltage (V_OUT) is given by: ​


V_OUT = D * V_IN = (t_on/T) * V_IN

Regulation Mechanism
The circuit dynamically adjusts the duty cycle to maintain a stable output:
• If decreases, the control circuit increases , allowing the capacitor to charge more and compensate for the drop.
• If increases, the control circuit decreases , causing the capacitor to discharge more and bring the voltage down.
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