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Discontinous Conduction Mode Notes

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73 views

Discontinous Conduction Mode Notes

Uploaded by

En En Belthere
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lecture Notes: Discontinuous Conduction

Mode (DCM)

Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM)
2. Operation of DCM in Power Converters
o 2.1 Current Waveforms in DCM
o 2.2 Difference Between Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) and DCM
3. Mode Boundary in DCM
o 3.1 Definition of Mode Boundary
o 3.2 Conditions Leading to DCM
o 3.3 Transition Between CCM and DCM
4. Analysis of Conversion Ratio in DCM
o 4.1 Conversion Ratio in Buck Converter
o 4.2 Conversion Ratio in Boost Converter
o 4.3 Conversion Ratio in Buck-Boost Converter
5. Mathematical Analysis of DCM
o 5.1 Derivation of Conversion Ratio Formula
o 5.2 Impact of Load and Inductor Size
6. Practical Considerations
o 6.1 Efficiency in DCM vs. CCM
o 6.2 Effects of DCM on Converter Design
1. Introduction to Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM)
In power electronics, Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM) occurs when the current
through the inductor or transformer in a power converter falls to zero during a portion of the
switching cycle. Unlike Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM), where current continuously
flows through the inductor, DCM features intervals where energy stored in the inductor is
completely depleted, leading to zero current flow for a portion of the cycle.

DCM is common in low-load or light-load conditions and is typically seen in converters


such as buck, boost, and buck-boost converters.

DISCONTINUOUS MODE AND CONTINUOUS MODE

In switching operation, there are two modes, a discontinuous mode and a continuous
mode. They are compared in the following table.

The “operation” item for comparison is the waveform of the currents flowing in the
primary windings and secondary windings of the transformer. In discontinuous mode, there is a
period in which the inductor current IL is interrupted, hence the name, discontinuous mode. In
contrast, in continuous mode there is no period in which the inductor current is zero.

In each mode, arrows indicate the tendencies for the inductor, the rectifying diode, the
switching transistor, and the efficiency; an upward arrow “↑” means an increase, and a
downward arrow “↓” indicates a decrease.

In the case of the continuous mode, when the switches are ON, a reverse current flows
during the reverse recovery time (trr) of the rectifying diode, and losses occur due to this reverse
current. In low-voltage switching DC-DC conversion, the reverse voltage of the rectifying diode
is low and the reverse current is also small, and so generally the continuous mode is used, giving
priority to reducing the output ripple voltage and harmonics. However, in AC-DC conversion,
the diode reverse voltage is high and a large reverse current flows, and so discontinuous mode, in
which a reverse current does not flow and losses are reduced, is generally used. However, the
peak current becomes large, and when the load is large, sometimes operation in continuous mode
is preferred.

Each mode has its advantages and disadvantages, but in general, the discontinuous mode
is used up to about 50 to 60 W. At output powers above this, a decision is made taking into
account the size of the transformer that can be accommodated and other factors. In this design
example, the discontinuous mode is used.
2. Operation of DCM in Power Converters
2.1 Current Waveforms in DCM

In DCM, the current waveform differs from that in CCM. During the switching cycle:

 The inductor current rises during the ON phase of the switch.


 After the switch turns off, the current continues to flow but eventually falls to zero.
 A portion of the cycle follows where the current remains zero.

2.2 Difference Between CCM and DCM

 Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM): The inductor current never reaches zero during
the switching cycle.
 Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM): The inductor current falls to zero for a
portion of the switching cycle, leading to periods where the inductor is completely de-
energized.

3. Mode Boundary in DCM


3.1 Definition of Mode Boundary

The mode boundary defines the point at which the converter transitions from
Continuous Conduction Mode to Discontinuous Conduction Mode. It is determined by the
relationship between the input voltage, output voltage, load current, and inductance value.

3.2 Conditions Leading to DCM

DCM occurs under the following conditions:

 Low output current.


 Small inductor value.
 Short duty cycle (or switching frequency).

3.3 Transition Between CCM and DCM

The transition between CCM and DCM occurs when the inductor current reaches zero
during a switching cycle. The boundary condition can be defined based on the load current,
where the current is insufficient to maintain continuous inductor current.

4. Analysis of Conversion Ratio in DCM


4.1 Conversion Ratio in Buck Converter

For a buck converter operating in DCM, the conversion ratio MDM_DMD (output
voltage to input voltage) is different from CCM. The conversion ratio is derived based on the
time intervals for which the inductor current is positive.

Operation of Buck Converters


Below, a model of a basic step-down converter is used to explain the circuit
operation. By gaining an understanding of the properties of current pathways and
nodes from the basic operation, standards for selection of peripheral components
and matters demanding attention will become clear. In the diagrams, we replace the
high-side transistor and low-side diode with switches to explain operation
schematically. The circuit principles are the same as those of diode rectification in a
DC-DC converter, but the high voltage obtained by rectifying an AC voltage is
directly switched to perform step-down voltage conversion, and so the transistor
and diode acting as switches must withstand high voltages, for example 600 V or
so.

4.3 Conversion Ratio in Buck-Boost Converter

The conversion ratio for a buck-boost converter in DCM can be similarly derived, taking
into account the zero current period and the inductor value.

5. Mathematical Analysis of DCM


5.1 Derivation of Conversion Ratio Formula

The conversion ratio in DCM is derived based on the inductor current waveform, dividing
the switching period into intervals where:

 The switch is ON (charging the inductor).


 The switch is OFF (discharging the inductor).
 The current reaches zero (DCM).

5.2 Impact of Load and Inductor Size

In DCM, the output voltage is highly dependent on the load current and the size of the
inductor. A smaller inductor or lighter load will push the converter towards DCM.

6. Practical Considerations
6.1 Efficiency in DCM vs. CCM

Efficiency in DCM tends to be lower than in CCM due to increased switching losses and
the fact that current discontinuity leads to higher RMS currents in some cases.

6.2 Effects of DCM on Converter Design

Converters designed to operate in DCM require smaller inductors and capacitors, but the
increased ripple current may require more robust filtering.

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