How FET selection can optimize synchronous buck converter efficiency
The unique operating characteristic of typical synchronous buck converters
means that special considerations apply when selecting FETs for the Control
or Sync sockets.
By Eric Persson, International Rectifier
Power Management DesignLine
(07/05/2006 5:47 PM EDT)
The unique operating characteristic of typical synchronous buck converters
means that special considerations apply when selecting FETs for the Control
or Sync sockets.
By Eric Persson, International Rectifier
Power Management DesignLine
(07/05/2006 5:47 PM EDT)
Designing an "optimum" DC-DC converter always involves tradeoffs between cost, size, efficiency, and other parameters. For today's systems, efficiency is often the key performance metric because of system thermal constraints. This article will review the operation of synchronous buck converters and the two FET switches that are the heart of the power stage. Particular attention will be paid to the loss mechanisms of these FETs and how the losses can be minimized.