Power conversion is the process of converting power from one form into another. Power conversion systems incorporate redundancy and voltage regulation, and typical types of conversion are: DC to DC, AC to DC, Rectifier, Switched-mode power supply, DC to AC (inverter), AC to AC Transformer/auto-transformer, Voltage regulator and Voltage to current (current source). Increasing demands for higher power density, smaller size, more portability and more flexible systems spur the SMPS industry to continuously design new generations of AC-DC power supplies using power devices with the lowest switching and conduction losses to increase efficiency, reduce thermal problems and improve power density.
By Guy Moxey, Fairchild Semiconductor Corp. Considerable focus has been placed on controller enhancements for low voltage DC/DC synchronous buck designs. Ultra-high switching frequency and fast transient response are two key design considerations that can be achieved through digital or mixed signal control implementation.