Simple Addition Permits Voltage Control Of DC-DC Converter's Output

In a standard dc-dc converter, a resistor divider typically defines a fixed output voltage. However, applications like programmable output voltage power supplies and motor control circuits require dynamic control of the dc-dc converter's output voltage. The circuit described here allows control of the converter's output voltage, V_OUT, with a control voltage, V_C.

In a conventional dc-dc buck converter, V_OUT is:

(1)

so V_OUT is fixed by the values of R1 and R2 (Fig. 1).

Figure 1.	The output voltage in a conventional dc-dc buck converter is fixed and depends on the resistor divider, R1/R2.

The added circuitry in Figure 2 enables users to control the same dc-dc converter's output voltage using V_C.

Figure 2.	The added circuitry in this version of the DC-DC converter permits control of VOUT by varying a control voltage, VC.

In this case, R2 is not connected to the ground but, rather, to V_R. Equation 1 then becomes:

(2)

Since R1 = 20 kΩ and R2 = 10 kΩ, Equation 2 can be simplified to:

(3)

or:

(4)

R3 and R4 have the same value, 10 kΩ, so amplifier U2's output voltage is:

(5)

where V_REF is the reference voltage generated by U3 after resistor divider R7/R8.

 

Combining Equation 4 and Equation 5:

(6)

To simplify Equation 6, choose components that make:

(7)

Then Equation 6 becomes:

(8)