A novel zero-current-detector for DCM operation in synchronous converter

Discontinuous-conduction mode (DCM) operation is usually employed in DC-DC converters for small inductor on printed circuit board (PCB) and high efficiency at light load. However, it is normally difficult for synchronous converter to realize the DCM operation, especially in high frequency applications, which requires a high speed and high precision comparator to detect the zero crossing point at cost of extra power losses. In this paper, a novel zero current detector (ZCD) circuit with an adaptive delay control loop for high frequency synchronous buck converter is presented. Compared to the conventional ZCD, proposed technique is proven to offer 8.5% efficiency enhancement when performed in a buck converter at the switching frequency of 4MHz and showed less sensitivity to the transistor mismatch of the sensor circuit.