A design methodology for a digitally-controlled AC-DC SMPS for offline LED lighting applications

Today many power management applications are making the transition from analog control techniques to digital control. Digital control can accommodate greater functionality and flexibility with a potentially smaller solution size compared to analog implementations. However this move to digital control requires different design methodologies to those traditionally used in analog controller design. In this context, this simple tutorial paper aims to provide some useful insight into a design methodology that was used in the design of a digital primary-side controlled flyback SMPS offline LED driver IC for next generation lighting applications. It is proposed that adhering to the digital design methodology detailed in this paper will help ensure a direct path from simulation to “first-time-right” silicon, and this has been tested in practice for a prototype LED driver IC.