A buck-boost converter is a type of DC-DC power converter that can regulate the output voltage either higher or lower than the input voltage. It achieves this by controlling the duty cycle of its switching elements (usually MOSFETs) in a way that transfers energy from the input to the output. The duty cycle determines the ratio of time the switch is on compared to the total switching period.
Phase-shifted modulation is a technique used in multi-phase buck-boost converters to improve efficiency and reduce output voltage ripple. In a multi-phase converter, multiple power stages (each consisting of switches, inductors, and capacitors) are operated in parallel to share the load and minimize losses. Phase-shifted modulation helps to evenly distribute the load among these phases while minimizing overlap and cross-conduction.
Here's how phase-shifted modulation works in a buck-boost converter:
Multiple Phases: In a multi-phase buck-boost converter, there are typically two or more identical power stages (phases) connected in parallel. Each phase consists of an inductor, a switch (MOSFET), and a diode.
Controlled Phase Shift: The key idea of phase-shifted modulation is to control the switching times of each phase's switches. By introducing a controlled phase shift between the switching times of different phases, the load on the input and output capacitors is better distributed, leading to reduced input and output current ripple.
PWM Control: Each phase is controlled using a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal. The duty cycle of the PWM signal determines how long the switch is on and off during each switching period. This, in turn, controls the amount of energy transferred from the input to the output.
Phase Shifted Operation: To achieve phase-shifted modulation, the on-times of the switches in different phases are staggered or phase-shifted relative to each other. This means that while one phase's switch is on, the other phase's switches are off or in a different state.
Load Sharing and Efficiency: By properly phase-shifting the switching times of the different phases, the load is distributed more evenly, reducing input and output voltage ripples. This leads to improved efficiency and reduced stress on components like capacitors and inductors.
Control Algorithm: The phase shift between the phases is often controlled by a feedback loop that monitors the output voltage and adjusts the phase shift accordingly. The control algorithm aims to maintain a stable output voltage while efficiently distributing the load among the phases.
In summary, phase-shifted modulation in a multi-phase buck-boost converter helps regulate the output voltage by controlling the timing of the switching of different phases. This technique improves efficiency, reduces voltage ripple, and ensures reliable operation of the converter in both buck and boost modes.