A Practical Switching Loss Model for Buck Voltage Regulators

In this paper, a review of switching loss mechanisms for synchronous buck voltage regulators (VRs) is presented. Following the review, a new simple and accurate analytical switching loss model is proposed for synchronous buck VRs. The model includes the impact of common source inductance and switch parasitic inductances on switching loss. The proposed model uses simple equations to calculate the rise and fall times and piecewise linear approximations of the high-side MOSFET voltage and current waveforms to allow quick and accurate calculation of switching loss in a synchronous buck VR. A simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (Spice) simulations are used to demonstrate the accuracy of the voltage source driver model operating in a 1-MHz synchronous buck VR at 12-V input, 1.3-V output. Switching loss was estimated with the proposed model and compared to Spice measurements. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed model.