This design is a detailed circuit implementation of the more abstract "state-average" buck converter model shown in the companion design example: “Step-Down (Buck) DC to DC Converter - Continuous”. This example includes the low-pass voltage sense circuit, an op-amp implementation of the difference amplifier and the lead-lag compensator, as well as PWM switching control of a power MOSFET. Simulation results for the line and load transients are very similar to the results from the continuous model.

This design uses a number of "datasheet characterized" components, including the power MOSFET (MCH6337), freewheel diode (NRVTS560EMFS) and op-amps (MC33272A), as well as the soft-saturation inductor (XAL6060-223) and capacitor (PEG127KA3110Q) of the power stage . The parameter values of these devices were entered directly from the datasheet for the corresponding part, including the "Maximum Ratings" information.

While the simulation time for this switching circuit is significantly longer than for the abstract model, more detailed information about the circuit’s signals and components is available. This includes the component stress levels, which are monitored within all the "datasheet" models.

The companion design, "TDFS Loop Stability for Step-Down (Buck) DC to DC Converter - Switching", demonstrates a method to directly assess the open-loop frequency response, and hence the stability margin, of this converter. The TDFS (Time Domain Frequency Sweep) method circumvents the need for state-average models of the switching elements.