Demystifying Switching Power Supplies

This book is a crash course in the fundamental theory, concepts, and terminology of switching power supplies. It is designed to quickly prepare engineers to make key decisions about power supplies for their projects.Intended for readers who need to quickly understand the key points of switching power supplies, this book covers the 20% of the topic that engineers use, 80% of the time. Unlike existing switching power supply books that deal strictly with design issues, this book also recognizes the growing importance of "off-the-shelf" commercial switching power supplies, giving readers the background necessary to select the right commercial supply. This book covers the core essentials of power supply theory and design while keeping mathematics to the absolute minimum necessary. Special attention is given to the selection of appropriate components, such as inductors and transformers, to ensure safe and reliable operation. Engineers, whose main design responsibilities are in other areas, will better understand the strengths and weaknesses of switching power supplies and whether such supplies are appropriate for their projects. They will be able to give more meaningful design requirements and specifications to those who design switching power supplies.

“Mack takes you from the basics (v=Ldi/dt, plus buck, boost, inverting boost, buck-boost, and other supply circuit topologies) on through the details of passive component selection and semiconductor selection. Of particular note are his treatment of control circuits and their effect on ripple levels and electromagnetic compatibility. He provides a step-by-step test sequence for evaluating power-supply response using a variable load, an oscilloscope, and function generator. Mack concludes with two solid examples: a true sine-wave inverter uninterruptible power supply and a personal-computer power supply.”— Rick Nelson, Chief Editor, Test & Measurement World, August 2006