DSP-based controller for multi-output/multi-phase high switching frequency DC-DC converters

This paper investigates the requirements of digital signal processing hardware necessary to perform digital voltage mode control of multiple DC-DC converters and multiple phase converters with switching frequencies in the range of 1-10 MHz. Special attention is given to the required computational hardware, with an analysis of the performance of several processor architectures in implementing a typical digital power control algorithm. The architectures are compared in terms of the number of separate converters/phases they can control and also the converter switching frequencies that can be handled. A detailed description of a flexible dual multiplier-accumulator processor architecture is given and a comparison is made with an existing solution with respect to application in high switching frequency converters.