High-efficiency operation of high-frequency DC/DC conversion for next-generation microprocessors

Fixed-switching-frequency current-mode-controlled zero-voltage-switching quasi-square-wave (ZVS-QSW) buck DC/DC converter was developed to address the challenges of powering next-generation high-end data processors. Aiming at integration, this paper presents a series of design techniques, such as current-conveyor-based Sense-FET current sensing, and accurate dead-time control using delay-locked loop with fast dead-time error rejection for soft-switching realization, etc. These solutions collectively minimize switching losses, maximize efficiency thus allow high switching frequency operations with lowest voltage stress on power devices, less noise, while providing improved transient performance and convenience for paralleling multi-phase converters.