The TPS54538 moves between CCM, DCM, PFM, and FCCM
mode as the load changes. Depending on the load current, the TPS54538 is in one of
below modes:
- Continuous conduction mode (CCM)
with fixed switching frequency when load current is above half of the
peak-to-peak inductor current ripple
- Discontinuous conduction mode
(DCM) with fixed switching frequency when load current is lower than half of the
peak-to-peak inductor current ripple in CCM operation
- Pulse frequency modulation mode
(PFM) when switching frequency is decreased at very light load
- Forced continuous conduction mode
(FCCM) with fixed switching frequency even at light load