In the family of power management integrated circuits (PMIC), DC-DC switching controllers are widely employed in high-efficiency circuits that use DC-to-DC switching controllers to generate an output supply voltage greater than or less than the input supply voltage. The switching controllers carry out switching functionality exterior to the chip, which provides considerably higher currents than switching regulators. As the controllers themselves do not need to handle the current - only the external FETs can be sized accordingly. Additionally, flyback, SEPIC, half-bridge, full-bridge, push-pull, and buck-boost are some of their included topologies.
What Is the Difference Between Switching Regulators and Switching Controllers?
These terms are often confused with each other despite the fact that all regulators are controllers, but all controllers are not. They are DC to DC converters and are similar in functions, where a regulator is a controller type used for level maintenance. Additionally, both are achieved or configured in boost, buck, or both topologies.
Types of DC DC Switching Controllers:
DC-to-DC switching controller regulators are available in various types based on their efficiency levels, applications, and operations.
- Boost Switching Controllers- They come as both synchronous and asynchronous types, which provide up to 97 % efficiency with synchronous rectifications. They include optional sense resistors and key features, such as multiphase operation, low quiescent current, onboard LDO, and many more.
- Buck-Boost Controllers – These robust performance controllers operate at input voltages similar to, below, or above the output voltages by using two inductors and deliver up to 98% efficiency.
- Buck/Buck/Boost Switching Controllers – These two buck and one boost phase controllers are suitable for start-stop automotive systems by providing effective solutions through synchronous boost converters and follow-on dual bucks.
- Single Output Buck DC/DC Controllers - provide up to 98% efficient step-down conversion with output voltages from 0.6 V. These controllers offer various excellent features, such as onboard MOSFET drivers, tracking, sense resistors (optional), current/voltage mode control, etc.
Furthermore, the hybrid and switched capacitor DC/DC controller, multiphase single output buck controllers, and multiple output buck DC to DC controllers are also available with various remarkable features and efficiency ranges.
Applications of DC DC Switching Controllers:
Depending on the controller IC type, DC-DC switching controllers offer a great range of applications in:
- Industrial
- Telecom
- Datacom
- Computing Infrastructure
- Automotive
- Consumer Electronics
