DC-DC converter design for battery-operated systems

This paper describes performance, design and optimization of DC-DC converters for energy limited, battery operated systems. Variable-frequency operation is used to achieve voltage regulation and high efficiency for an extremely wide range of load currents. An experimental 15 W, 3.3 V buck converter has been constructed to demonstrate design and optimization techniques. The converter employs synchronous rectification to reduce conduction losses, and discontinuous, variable-frequency, current-mode control with optimum peak current to maximize efficiency for a wide range of loads. Applications include portable computers, hand-held instruments, and telecommunications.