company blog about Supply TI DC/DC Converters:Buck Converter,Boost Converter,Buck-Boost Converter

Supply TI DC/DC Converters:Buck Converter,Boost Converter,Buck-Boost Converter

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I. Buck Converter: High-efficiency step-down conversion with broad compatibility

1. Operating Principle and Key Characteristics

A buck converter is a non-isolated DC/DC converter that produces an output voltage lower than the input voltage; it is also known as a ‘step-down converter’. Its core topology consists of a power switch (MOSFET), a freewheeling diode (or synchronous rectifier), an inductor, a capacitor and a controller. During operation, the controller uses a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to control the switching on and off of the power switch: when the switch is on, the input voltage supplies power to the load via the inductor, with part of the energy being stored in the inductor; when the switch is off, the inductor releases the stored energy via the freewheeling diode, maintaining the continuity of the load current and ultimately achieving a stable low-voltage output.

TI step-down converters employ an advanced control architecture; most products integrate a synchronous rectification MOSFET. Compared to traditional asynchronous solutions, this significantly reduces conduction losses, with efficiency improved to over 90 per cent; some high-end products even achieve efficiency exceeding 95 per cent. At the same time, they feature a wide input voltage range, low ripple, high output accuracy and fast transient response, whilst also incorporating protection functions such as overvoltage, overcurrent and over-temperature protection, thereby enhancing system reliability. Furthermore, TI buck converters are predominantly available in compact packages; when used with external inductors and capacitors, they enable compact circuit designs that meet the demand for miniaturised equipment.

2. TI’s Core Products and Technical Advantages

TI has launched a range of step-down converters tailored to different application scenarios, covering areas such as low-power, high-power, automotive-grade and industrial-grade applications. Among these, the TPS5430 series is a classic industrial-grade step-down converter, supporting input voltages from 4.5V to 28V, with an adjustable output voltage and a maximum output current of 3A. Utilising current-mode control, it offers fast transient response and is suitable for applications such as industrial automation and instrumentation; The TPS62170 series, on the other hand, is a product specifically designed for low-power consumer electronics. With an input voltage range of 2.7 V to 6 V and an output current of 1.5 A, it features a quiescent current of just 17 μA and supports a power-saving mode, maintaining high efficiency even under light load conditions. It is widely used in portable devices such as mobile phones, tablets and wearable devices.

For automotive applications, TI’s TPS54620-Q1 series buck converters comply with the AEC-Q100 standard, support input voltages from 4.5 V to 60 V, and can withstand voltage fluctuations and transient surges during vehicle start-up. With a maximum output current of 6 A, they offer excellent immunity to interference and temperature stability, making them suitable for applications such as in-vehicle navigation systems, vehicle lighting and in-car entertainment systems. Furthermore, TI has launched step-down converters incorporating GaN (gallium nitride) devices, such as the LMG3410 series. By utilising the low on-resistance and high switching frequency of GaN devices, these converters further enhance power density and conversion efficiency, making them suitable for applications requiring high power output and compact form factors.

3. Typical Applications

Step-down converters are the most widely used type of DC/DC converter and are found in virtually all scenarios requiring the conversion of high-voltage DC to low-voltage DC. In consumer electronics, they are used to convert the 3.7V voltage from lithium-ion batteries to the 1.8V and 3.3V required by chips and sensors; in the industrial sector, they are used to convert 24V industrial power supplies to the 5V and 12V required by PLCs, variable frequency drives and servo motor drive circuits; in automotive electronics, they are used to convert the vehicle’s 12V or 24V power supply into the operating voltages required by various in-vehicle electronic devices; and in telecommunications equipment, they are used to step down the voltage in power supply modules for base stations, routers and similar devices, ensuring the stable operation of core chips.

II. Boost Converter: Converting Low Voltage to High Voltage to Meet Special Requirements

1. Operating Principle and Key Characteristics

A boost converter is a non-isolated DC/DC converter with an output voltage higher than the input voltage; it is also known as a ‘step-up converter’. Its topology is similar to that of a buck converter, but the connection configurations of the inductor, switching transistor and freewheeling diode differ. During operation, when the switching transistor is on, the input voltage charges the inductor, storing energy; when the switching device turns off, the induced emf generated by the inductor is superimposed on the input voltage; this voltage is then supplied to the load via the freewheeling diode and charges the capacitor, thereby achieving an output voltage higher than the input voltage. The magnitude of the output voltage can be adjusted via the duty cycle of the PWM signal.

TI’s boost converters are optimised for different application requirements and feature a wide input voltage range, high step-up ratio, low ripple and high reliability. Most products support low-voltage start-up, with some capable of operating normally at input voltages as low as 0.8 V, making them suitable for battery-powered portable devices; the use of synchronous rectification technology or low-loss freewheeling diode designs reduces switching and conduction losses, thereby improving conversion efficiency; an integrated soft-start function prevents inrush current from damaging components during start-up; and overvoltage, overcurrent and short-circuit protection functions ensure safe and stable system operation. Furthermore, TI’s boost converters support high switching frequencies, allowing the use of compact inductors and capacitors to reduce circuit size.

2. TI’s Core Products and Technical Advantages

TI’s range of boost converters covers multiple categories, including low-power, high-power and wide-input-voltage variants, to meet boost requirements across various applications. The TPS61088 series is a prime example of a low-power boost converter, with an input voltage range of 0.9V to 5.5V, an adjustable output voltage, a maximum output current of 2A, and a quiescent current of just 22μA. It supports a power-saving mode and achieves light-load efficiency of over 85%, making it suitable for products powered by a single lithium-ion or dry cell battery, such as Bluetooth earphones, smart wristbands and portable medical devices.

For high-power boost applications, the TPS40210 series of boost controllers supports input voltages from 4.5 V to 60 V and can drive external power MOSFETs, delivering a maximum output power of several hundred watts. Employing voltage-mode control, these controllers offer a wide duty cycle range and fast transient response, making them suitable for applications such as industrial power supplies, LED drivers and photovoltaic inverters. The automotive-grade boost converter TPS61175-Q1 complies with the AEC-Q100 standard, with an input voltage range of 2.7V to 18V and a maximum output voltage of 36V. It offers excellent temperature stability and immunity to interference, making it suitable for applications such as automotive LED headlights and in-vehicle chargers. Furthermore, TI’s TPS61165 series of boost converters integrates LED drive functionality, enabling the direct driving of multiple series-connected LEDs and simplifying circuit design; they are widely used in applications such as display backlights and lighting equipment.

3. Typical Applications

Boost converters are primarily used in applications requiring the conversion of low-voltage DC to high-voltage DC. In portable devices, they are used to boost the 3.7V voltage of a single-cell lithium battery to 5V (to power USB devices), 9V or 12V (to drive small motors and sensors); in the field of LED lighting, they are used to step up low-voltage power supplies to the high voltage required by LEDs, enabling constant-current drive; in photovoltaic systems, they are used to step up the low-voltage output from photovoltaic cells for connection to the grid or energy storage devices; in automotive electronics, they are used to step up the on-board 12V power supply to the high voltage required by equipment such as air conditioning and audio systems; in the industrial sector, they are used for signal conditioning and power supply step-up in devices such as sensors and transmitters.

III. Buck-Boost Converter: Flexible Voltage Regulation, Suitable for a Wide Voltage Range

1. Operating Principle and Core Characteristics

A buck-boost converter is a non-isolated DC/DC converter capable of producing an output voltage that is higher than, lower than, or equal to the input voltage. Its topology combines the characteristics of buck and boost converters, with the core comprising power switches, inductors, capacitors and a controller; some products utilise a four-switch architecture, whilst others employ a single-inductor, dual-switch architecture. During operation, the controller switches the power switches between on and off states to flexibly achieve either buck or boost operating modes: when the input voltage is higher than the output voltage, the converter operates in buck mode; when the input voltage is lower than the output voltage, it operates in boost mode; and when the input and output voltages are close, a hybrid mode ensures a smooth transition to maintain a stable output voltage.

TI buck-boost converters offer key advantages such as a wide input voltage range, flexible voltage regulation, high conversion efficiency and low ripple. Most products integrate full-bridge power MOSFETs, reducing the number of external components and simplifying circuit design; they utilise advanced control algorithms to enable seamless switching between buck and boost modes, with no voltage fluctuations during transitions and fast transient response; they support low quiescent current and high efficiency at light loads, meeting the battery life requirements of battery-powered devices; They incorporate multiple protection functions, including over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature and short-circuit protection, thereby enhancing system reliability; some products support bidirectional power delivery, enabling energy recovery, and are suitable for applications such as energy storage and battery charging and discharging.

2. TI’s Core Products and Technical Advantages

TI has launched a range of buck-boost converters for various application scenarios, covering sectors such as consumer electronics, industrial, automotive and communications. The TPS631010 series is a prime example of a miniaturised buck-boost converter, utilising a wafer-level chip package (WCSP) with dimensions of just 1.803 mm × 0.905 mm, with an input voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V, an adjustable output voltage, a maximum output current of 1A, support for constant-frequency peak current-mode control, a true shutdown function, and forward and reverse current limiting. It is suitable for compact devices such as wearables, smartphones and tablets.

For industrial applications, the TPS55060-Q1 series buck-boost converters support input voltages from 2.7 V to 60 V, with an adjustable output voltage and a maximum output current of 1 A. Compliant with industrial temperature standards, they offer excellent immunity to interference and stability, making them suitable for industrial sensors, portable instruments, energy storage devices and similar applications. In the automotive sector, the TPIC74100-Q1 and TPS5516x-Q1 series comply with the AEC-Q100 standard, support input voltages from 3 V to 40 V, and can withstand the wide-ranging fluctuations typical of automotive power supplies. With a maximum output current of 1 A and an integrated four-switch architecture that simplifies design, these products are suitable for applications such as in-vehicle electronics and battery management systems. Furthermore, TI’s TPS6521815 series of power management ICs (PMICs) integrates three buck converters, one buck-boost converter and one LDO, enabling multi-voltage outputs and making them suitable for complex system power supply designs.

3. Typical Applications

Buck-boost converters are suitable for applications where the input voltage fluctuates over a wide range and flexible output voltages are required. In portable devices, they are used for power management in lithium-ion battery-powered equipment, accommodating the wide voltage range of lithium-ion batteries from a fully charged 4.2 V to a discharged 2.5 V, ensuring a stable output voltage; in automotive electronics, they are used in scenarios where the in-vehicle power supply fluctuates significantly, such as voltage drops during start-up or voltage fluctuations caused by sudden changes in load, ensuring the normal operation of in-vehicle electronic equipment; In the industrial sector, they are used in devices such as sensors and transmitters, accommodating the wide input voltage range of industrial power supplies; in energy storage systems, they are used for the charge and discharge management of battery packs, enabling bidirectional energy conversion; in telecommunications equipment, they are used for backup power conversion in devices such as base stations and routers, ensuring voltage stability during power switching.