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BOOSTXL-BUCKCONV: Development flow of digital power supply using C2000

Guru 10930 points
Part Number: BOOSTXL-BUCKCONV
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: POWERSUITE, SFRA, PMP

Tool/software:

Hi,

The following is the development flow for TI's digital power supply provided in the URL below. As you can see, steps 1 and 2 are the initial stages of software development:

  1. Applying the Solution Adapter
  2. Designing the compensator using the Compensation Designer

https://www.ti.com/lit/ug/tidu986a/tidu986a.pdf

However, I don't believe it is always necessary for customers to strictly follow this flow during development. This is because TI's power supply solutions using C2000 typically come with reference designs and sample code for most topologies. Customers can use these as a foundation and adjust peripheral components and software through a trial-and-error approach.

What is the typical development flow for customers working on digital power supplies with C2000? Of course, the chosen method will depend on available development resources, performance requirements, and project timelines, but I’m curious about the general approach that most developers take.

Thanks,
Conor

  • Hi Conor,

    Thank you for reaching out.

    As you mentioned, there can be many variations in the design approach that our customers take due to factors they have like schedules, expertise, power ratings, etc. We can split this into 2 categories.

    For customers developing topologies for which we have existing reference designs, it can be relatively straightforward the process. We provide powerSUITE projects for a lot of the common topologies on the market, this powerSUITE is a graphical interface where customers can directly provide the power level, component information for their custom board, frequency requirements, and the necessary parameters in the code will be calculated to reflect the proper values for their system. Then the customer can adjust the HAL layer in the source files to match the board they are designing. Once customer has their board and is testing their project, they may go through the iterative process of testing the board, performing open-loop operation and measuring the performance, adjusting the board design if needed. Then once the design is sound and customer is trying to perfect closed loop control of their power supply, they can use our compensation designer and SFRA tools to measure their system performance and further tune their control coefficients.

    For topologies which we do not have reference designs on, there may be more work on the designer part to understand the topology, refer to existing collateral, IEEE papers, to formulate an understanding of the topology with respect to their system requirements. Then customers may still be able to use some of our existing software solutions depending on the type of control that is required and what features are needed, such as high-resolution, phase control vs. duty control, variable frequency vs. fixed frequency. Then extend the software to fit their specific topology more closely. They may of course also reach out to us for direct support and involvement as needed

    Regards,

    Peter

  • Hi Peter,

    Thank you for the useful information.
    What kind of documents should be referenced when developing a digital power supply? If there are any manuals, application notes, seminar materials, or other useful documents that can assist in development, please share them. In particular, seminar information would be highly valuable.

    Thanks,

    Conor

  • Hi Conor,

    The design guides are the best references when developing your own digital power supply. You can see all available reference designs at this link: https://dev.ti.com/tirex/explore/node?node=A__ALtXPSPi755gBdWCSFdhQg__digital_power_c2000ware_sdk_software_package__5C6SEVO__LATEST

    The TIDA/TIDM reference designs will have extensive design guides whereas the PMP are more developmental and only software guides are provided.

    Our R&D team hosts a recurring PSDS seminar: https://www.ti.com/design-resources/seminars/power-supply-design-seminar-psds.html

    You can find all of the archived white papers and seminars (videos included) here and specifically look for one which best matches your application and topology.

    Regards,

    Peter