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Research Article |

A Novel DC-DC Buck Converter for Portable Applications

Author(s): Chae-Hyoung Choi1, Seung-Hyun Jeong2, Sung-Sik Park3*

Published In : International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Research (IJEER)        Volume 14, Issue 2

Publisher : FOREX Publication

Published : 30 June 2026

e-ISSN : 2347-470X

Page(s) : 553-561

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37391/IJEER.140230

Abstract

This paper presents a simple pulse-generator-based DC–DC buck converter capable of adaptive ripple reduction and automatic CCM/DCM mode transition over a wide load-current range. The proposed converter consists of a pulse generator, a buffer and dead-time circuit, and complementary PMOS/NMOS power switches. Unlike conventional hysteretic buck converters, the proposed pulse generator dynamically adjusts the switching operation according to the load condition by monitoring the PMOS conduction current. Consequently, reverse inductor current is suppressed under light-load conditions, enabling automatic transition between continuous-conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous-conduction mode (DCM) without requiring additional mode-control circuitry. Simulation results based on a 0.18-μm CMOS process demonstrate that the proposed converter operates over a load-current range from 0 mA to 500 mA with a switching frequency ranging from 310 kHz to 3.50 MHz. At a load current of 500 mA, the converter achieves an output-voltage ripple of 372.4 μVp-p and an output-current ripple of 4.95 mAp-p. In addition, transient recovery times of 6.9 μs and 4.5 μs are achieved for load-current transitions from 0 mA to 500 mA and from 500 mA to 0 mA, respectively. The proposed converter achieves a peak power efficiency of 85% while providing low ripple characteristics, automatic operating-mode transition, reverse-current suppression, and a simple control architecture.

Keywords: DC-DC Buck Converter, Voltage-Driven Method, Voltage ripple, Current Ripple.




Chae-Hyoung Choi, ICT, Semiconductor & Electronics Engineering, Republic of Korea; Email: chichi90@ync.ac.kr

Seung-Hyun Jeong, ICT, Semiconductor & Electronics Engineering, Republic of Korea; Email: bugman@ync.ac.kr

Sung-Sik Park,ICT, Semiconductor & Electronics Engineering, Republic of Korea; Email: pssik7857@ync.ac.kr

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Chae-Hyoung Choi, Seung-Hyun Jeong, and Sung-Sik Park (2026), A Novel DC-DC Buck Converter for Portable Applications. IJEER 14(2), 553-561. DOI: 10.37391/IJEER.140230.