Off-line converters based on buck, or step-down, and buck-boost, or step-down/up, topologies convert the mains to a regulated DC output, either positive or negative, without the need for an isolation transformer by modulating the duty cycle of the power switch.
The waveform of the current in the inductor defines the converter’s mode of operation that can be continuous when the current in the inductor never drops to zero, or discontinuous when the said current stays at zero for a given time interval – and boundary or transition mode when the inductor current is zero at a single point. Both topologies can use a low-cost inductor for energy storage and the transfer from input to output.
Our VIPerPlus high-voltage converters help design high-efficiency, cost-effective off-line buck and buck-boost converters with a minimum component count and enhanced reliability thanks to a set of features including pulse skip protection that can help reduce peak current at start-up allowing the use of smaller, less expensive inductors.
In addition, we provide an extensive set evaluation and development boards as well as reference designs.
