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Lesson 02

Converter Topologies

Explore Buck, Boost, and Buck-Boost topologies. Tune duty cycle and frequency to inspect ripple and average output waveforms.

1. Converter Mode

topology select

2. Parameters

input voltage [V_in] 12
duty cycle [D] 50%
frequency [f_sw] 100 kHz
inductance [L] 100 µH
load resistance [R] 10 Ω

Operation Theory

Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) occurs when the inductor current never falls to zero. If the load is too light (high resistance) or inductance is too low, the current hits zero during the switch-off period, entering Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM), causing output voltage to surge.

Output Voltage
Ripple Current
Min Inductance
Conduction Mode

Live Waveforms (Vx, Vout, and Inductor Current IL)

Voltage Vx(t) [dashed] Inductor Current IL(t) [solid] Output Voltage Vout [solid] Max Mid 0 Time (2 Cycles) →
Click to reveal Topology Equations & Math
1. Buck Converter
Output Voltage: V_out = D · V_in
Ripple Current: ∆I_L = V_out · (1 - D) / (L · f_sw)
Critical Inductance: L_crit = (1 - D) · R / (2 · f_sw)
2. Boost Converter
Output Voltage: V_out = V_in / (1 - D)
Ripple Current: ∆I_L = V_in · D / (L · f_sw)
Critical Inductance: L_crit = D · (1 - D)² · R / (2 · f_sw)
3. Buck-Boost Converter
Output Voltage: V_out = V_in · D / (1 - D) (magnitude)
Ripple Current: ∆I_L = V_in · D / (L · f_sw)
Critical Inductance: L_crit = (1 - D)² · R / (2 · f_sw)