Pulse-Train-Controlled CCM Buck Converter With Small ESR Output-Capacitor

The pulse-train (PT) control technique for switching dc-dc converters is simple to design and benefits from excellent control performance. Up to now, almost all of the works on PT control are focused on switching dc-dc converters operating in discontinuous conduction mode, with few works reported on PT control of switching dc-dc converters operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM). In this paper, a PT-controlled CCM buck converter is studied and a unique low-frequency oscillation phenomenon is revealed, which results in large undesired inductor-current and output-voltage variations. The effect of equivalent series resistance (ESR) output-capacitor on the low-frequency oscillation is examined. The results indicate that such oscillation occurs when the ESR output-capacitor is relatively small and disappears when it is relatively large. However, a larger ESR will result in a large output-voltage ripple. In order to avoid the low-frequency oscillation and, at the same time, to ensure a small output-voltage ripple, the ICRIF circuit is applied. In this way, a small ESR output-capacitor can be used to decrease the output-voltage ripple. Simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the theoretical analysis.