Switching converters

(DC-DC)
Quick reference guide
 DC-DC switching regulators are a
family of power conversion circuits that
efficiently transfer from a source to a
load at different voltages and current
levels. These converters enable devices
to operate with optimal power levels
despite varying power sources and
load conditions. Switching converters
are favored over linear regulators due
to their higher efficiency, especially
in applications where the difference
between input and output voltages is
significant.

Switching regulators key points

• Higher efficiency: it can exceed 95%, reducing energy loss and heat dissipation.
• Minimal power loss: losses in switching converters are limited to biasing currents and
imperfections in components, unlike linear regulators, which dissipate excess power as heat.

Switching regulators main topologies

VIN
Buck regulators (step-down)
• Used when the input is higher than the output.
• They maintain optimal performance across a range of load conditions.

VOUT
Boost regulators (step-up)
• Convert low input voltage to a higher output voltage. VOUT
• They can be combined with other power conversion topologies for complex systems.
VIN
Buck-boost regulators
• Voltage flexibility: steps up or steps down input voltage as required, ensuring stable
output.
VOUT
• Inverted output: delivers an output voltage that is inverted relative to the input, VIN
beneficial for specific applications.
• A wide input range is ideal for variable power sources in several applications.

Learn more about these main DC-DC topologies by visiting the following webpages:
• Buck regulators
• Boost regulators
• Buck-boost regulator

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Comprehensive DC-DC power solutions and design
ST’S EVALUATION BOARDS
Quick overview: STMicroelectronics offers an array of evaluations boards to support the development of DC-DC converters
across various applications.
Evaluation boards Applications Input voltage range Products
Scan QR code
Industrial, light electric
STEVAL-L3751V12
vehicles
6 to 75 V L3751 for a complete
visibility of
STEVAL-L6981CDR,
L6981
ST boards
STEVAL-L6981NDR
Industrial, battery-
STEVAL-L6982CDR, 3.5 to 38 V
powered devices L6982
STEVAL-L6982NDR

STEVAL-ISA208V1 L6983

STEVAL-A6983NV1 Automotive 3.5 to 38 V A6983

STEVAL-QUADV01: 4-IN-1 DC REGULATION SOLUTION

Quick overview: the STEVAL-QUADV01 is a multifunctional evaluation board for testing various DC-DC power supply
configurations.
Features Benefits Scan QR code
Multichannel output Simulates different power supply scenario
for detailed
information
Adjustable voltage and current Offers testing flexibility for each channel

Ensures operation safety with overvoltage,

Integrated safety protections
overcurrent, and thermal protection

Allows for easy adjustments and real-time

User-friendly control panel
monitoring

eDesignSuite AND eDSim: DC-DC CONVERTER SIMULATION TOOL

Quick overview: eDesignSuite is a design automation tool that simplifies the creation of electronic systems.
By inputting basic parameters, users receive a tailored BOM, circuit schematics, and efficiency analyses.
eDSim is an advanced online simulation tool for DC-DC converter design and analysis, streamlining the power supply
development process.

Features Benefits
Scan QR code
Optimized BOM Streamlines material selection and procurement
for an interactive
Schematic output Enhances understanding and accuracy of designs simulation
experience
Bode analysis Provides insight into frequency stability

Flexible design Accommodates changes with minimal redesign

Speedy simulation Saves time with rapid simulation results

Efficiency metrics Aids in predicting performance and energy usage

Comprehensive tests Offers thorough analysis for reliability

Enhance your design experience: For a hands-on demonstration, click on the featured video section of the DC-DC
webpage. Our comprehensive video tutorial guides you through comparing eDesignSuite and eDSim simulation data with
bench measurements using the L6983 evaluation board.

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BUCK FOR PRE-REGULATION (>24 V)
IOUT
Legend:
Iext_mosfet L3751
A7987 / L7987 Asynchronous
ST1S14
STPD01** Synchronous
3A A6983 / L6983
A7986A / L7986
Automotive
L7981
Synchronous controller
A5975D
2.5 A A5975AD ** for USB PD, up to 60 W
L7987L output power (20 V, 3 A)
L6982
A6986 / L6986
2A A7985A / L7985
L7980
L6981
A5973D
A5972D / A5973AD / L5972D / L5973AD
1.5 A
A6986F / L6986F
1A A5970D / A5970AD / L5970D / L5970AD
500 mA A6985F / L6985F
400 mA A6984 / L6984
300 mA L7983
3.5 V 4V 4.5 V 5.5 V 6 V 28 V 36 V 38 V 48 V 60 V 61 V 75 V
V IN

BUCK FOR POST-REGULATION (<24 V)

IOUT
Iext_mosfet A6727B
Legend:
ST1S50
4A ST1S41 Asynchronous
ST1S32
ST1S40 Synchronous
3A AST1S31 / ST1S31
L5987 Automotive
2.5 A L5986
Synchronous
L5985
2A
ST1S09
controller
L5983
1.5 A ST1S06
ST2S08B
1A L5981
L5980
700 mA
ST1S12xx
500 mA ST2S06
400 mA ST1PS01 / 02 / 03

1.5 V 1.8 V 2.5 V 2.7 V 2.8 V 2.9 V 3V 4V 5.5 V 6V 12 V 18 V V IN

Buck-boost Boost Iso-buck

IOUT
IOUT IOUT
2A STBB3J / STBB3JCC
1A STBB1-AXX 1A ST8R00 10 W L6983I / A6983I
800 mA STBB2 0.9 A L6920DB / L6920DC 5W L6986I / A6986I
1.8 V 2 V 2.4 V 5.5 V 40 V V IN 0.8 V 4V 5.5 V 6V 3.5 V 4V 38 V
V IN V IN
 GLOSSARY
Accuracy – the maximum deviation from the specified output. Nominal accuracy can be affected by factors such as low
tolerance resistors used in the feedback network. Commonly cited across temperature ranges, sometimes specified as
tolerance.
AEC-Q100 – automotive industry standard test qualification for integrated circuits. A device must pass the failure
mechanism-based stress test to be marked as automotive-grade compliant.
Buck-boost – a buck-boost regulator is like a buck and boost combined; it can both step down and step up an input voltage
to reach the specified output voltage.
Continuous current mode (CCM) – during CCM, the current in the output inductor is always above zero. This mode of
operation simplifies stability analysis and improves noise characteristics.
Discontinuous current mode (DCM) – during DCM, the current is allowed to drop to zero. This typically occurs when the
output power is low, or the output inductor has low inductance.
Enable/Inhibit (EN/INH) – externally enabling (or disabling) the internal circuitry when the regulator is not required lowers
the quiescent current and can prolong battery life.
Feedback network – resistors are used to set the desired output voltage. Often feedback networks also include capacitors
to attenuate and amplify signals at specific frequencies (compensation).
Isolated buck topology – it is created by replacing the output inductor in a synchronous buck converter with a coupled
inductor or transformer (no optocoupler needed) and rectifying the secondary winding voltage using a diode and a capacitor to
generate an isolated output.
Line regulation – describes how well the regulator can maintain its intended output voltage given a change in the input
voltage.
Noise – Good noise figures are critical in circuits for wireless communication or that rely on high-speed clock signals.
Package – while the most obvious effect of the package sizing is the board area required, it also has a direct influence on the
thermal properties.
Pass element – the voltage regulation is performed by quickly switching a MOSFET fully on and off. This transistor is
commonly referred to as the pass element.
Power dissipation – when a voltage is regulated, excess power is dissipated as heat. As heat can affect the regulator and
surrounding components negatively, and eventually cause a thermal shutdown or functional failure, thermal management is
important.
Power Good (PG) – this signal indicates that the output is within regulation. It is useful for power-sequencing, reset
triggering, and more.
PSRR – power supply rejection ratio, or a measure of the regulator’s ability to filter out noisy ripples in the input voltage. It is
always specified in dB, and always over a range of frequencies.
Quiescent current – the current consumed by the regulator to operate. Lowering the quiescent current is especially
important for battery-powered solutions.
Soft-start (SS) – soft-start is a controlled gradual increase of the throughput power, which prevents large inrush currents
that can overload the power supply.
Step-down – a step-down regulator converts a higher input voltage to a lower output voltage and is commonly referred to as
a buck regulator.
Step-up – a step-up regulator converts a lower input voltage to a higher output voltage and is commonly referred to as a
boost regulator.
Switching frequency – a measure of how quickly the pass element is turned on and off. A higher switching frequency
allows for smaller passive components, but also increases consumption and emissions.
Thermal shutdown – a protective function that shuts down the device to prevent damage from overheating.
Transient response – a description of the regulator’s ability to resist changes in the input and output voltages. See line
regulation and load regulation.

For more information, visit us on www.st.com/dcdc

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