Wide-Input Range Dual Mode PWM / Linear Buck Converter with High robustness ESD Protection Circuit

This paper proposes a high-efficiency, dual-mode PWM / linear buck converter with a wide-input range. The proposed converter was designed with a mode selector that can change the operation between PWM / linear mode by sensing a load current. The proposed converter operates in a linear mode during a light load and in PWM mode during a heavy load condition in order to ensure high efficiency. In addition, the mode selector uses a bit counter and a transmission gate designed to protect from a malfunction due to noise or a time-delay. Also, in conditions between $-40^{\circ}C$ and $140^{\circ}C$, the converter has variations in temperature of $0.5mV/^{\circ}C$ in the PWM mode and of $0.24mV/^{\circ}C$ in the linear mode. Also, to prevent malfunction and breakdown of the IC due to static electricity, the reliability of IC was improved by embedding a self-produced 8 kV-class(Chip level) ESD protection circuit of a P-substrate Triggered SCR type with high robustness characteristics.