SLUAAQ8 august 2023 TPS54202 , TPS563201 , TPS62933
Three operation modes of light load are mentioned in this application note.
Power Save Mode (PSM) can decrease the device switching frequency to improve efficiency at light load.
Out-of-Audio (OOA) mode is a unique control feature that keeps the switching frequency above audible frequency (20 Hz-20 KHz) with minimum reduction in efficiency, which prevents audio noise generation from the output capacitors and inductor. The Understanding OOA™ Operation application note describes the OOA details.
Forced Continuous Conduction Mode (FCCM) allows the inductor current to become negative in light load, the switching frequency is maintained, achieve small ripple at light load.
Table 2-1 lists the comparison between PSM, OOA, and FCCM mode.
Light Load Mode | PSM | OOA | FCCM |
---|---|---|---|
fsw | Low | Middle | High |
Vout Ripple | Large | Middle | Small |
Light Load Efficiency | High | Middle | Low |
Suitable Applications | Require high light-load efficiency | Require high efficiency without audible noise in light load | Require almost fixed fsw and small Vout ripple across whole loading range |