High frequency QSW-ZVS integrated buck converter utilizing an air-core inductor

In order to achieve tiny point of load converters, higher switching frequencies should be used to minimize the magnetic component sizes and enable the integration process. High frequency hard switching buck converters dissipate a lot of power due to the high switching losses. This paper discusses the utilization of Quasi-Square Wave Zero Voltage Switching (QSW-ZVS) integrated buck converter with adaptive gate driver to obtain a low cost solution with enhanced efficiency. Through this paper, the system will be illustrated and simulation results will be provided in addition to experimental waveforms. A prototype chip has been fabricated using 0.25μm HVCMOS process and experimental results are shown. It is worth noting that the proposed converter is the first 3A Point of load integrated ZVS Buck converter up to the authors´ knowledge.