Practical and accurate pulse-loss-prediction method and its application to switching power supply

Following the decrease of power supply voltage for integrated circuits, the increase of power consumption of information technology systems as well as environmental issues, there is a need to reduce the energy consumption of the systems and the loss of power supply circuits, therefore an accurate and practical loss prediction method is required. This paper describes a new loss prediction method for switching power supply circuits, suited for quick evaluation and comparison of components with accuracy needed for power supply circuit design. A set of Pulse-Loss-Prediction equations was derived in explicit form of elementary functions, from resistive-loss frequency response model and square pulse current model, using Fourier transform and numerical calculation. When the resistance´s frequency response of a component is known, its loss can be calculated rapidly and easily against pulse currents of arbitrary period and rise-fall time, in a switching power supply, before actually building one. Transformers´ and MOS FETs´ resistances are measured, their frequency dependencies are shown, their Pulse-Losses are calculated with the developed method and compared. This method was applied to actual development of a low voltage, high power DC-DC converter for a supercomputer. Component selection, optimization was carried out using this method, and an efficiency of 82% at 1.4 V, 200 A output, 280 V input, was realized. This new power supply gave significant power consumption reduction of the system from conventional model, contributing to initial and running cost reduction, energy saving and environmental conservation and sustainability.