# Why does hysteretic current-mode control have variable switching frequency?

This figure below is from Raymond B. Ridley Dissertation "A New Small-Signal Model for Current-Mode Control".

Here is an except from the document:

The general implementation of hysteretic current-mode control is shown in Fig. 2.2. The inductor current waveforms are used to control both the turn-on and the turn-off of the power switch of the PWM converter. The advantages of this kind of circuit are apparent: no clock or timing function is needed, and the current level is controlled between two limits. Although this implementation was popular before control circuits became available, its variable switching frequency, and the need to sense the inductor current during both the on- and off-times of the power switch have restricted its use today. This circuit does not have any problems with instability of the current-feedback loop, and it is not analyzed in this dissertation.

Can anyone explain why this control method has varibale switching frequency? Also why this is bad?

• If I understand correctly, the switching frequency is determined by the load current. The load current is determined by the load. When the current hits the switch point, the switch changes state. – mkeith Jul 29 '17 at 5:37
• google.com/… – Andy aka Jul 29 '17 at 8:44

As long as the output voltage is below the target set by $V_{ref}$, the power switch remains closed and the current in the inductor grows with a slope given by $S_{on}=\frac{V_{in}-V_{out}}{L}$. In a real circuit, a current limit would interrupt the process but it is not represented here for the sake of simplicity. When the voltage $V_{out}$ reaches the target, the switch turns off, the freewheel diode turns on and the inductor current decays with a slope equal to $S_{off}=-\frac{V_{out}}{L}$. The voltage also decays and creates a ripple made of a capacitive ($C_{out}$) and resistive ($r_C$) contributions. When the voltage reaches the second threshold, the switch turns on again and initiates a new cycle. The ripple amplitude and thus the operating frequency depends on the selected hysteresis band.
You can thus see that the not only the on- and off-slopes depend on the input and output voltages but the pace at which the output voltage goes down is linked to the output current or $R_L$. As such, a hysteretic converter in its simplest switching form, can occupy a very large and uncontrolled frequency spectrum. If the converter powers a RF section, EMI pollution can occur and bother the receiver for instance (cell-phones rarely embark hysteretic converters for instance). Also, conversely, the converter in light-load operation will reduce its switching frequency (good for efficiency) but can potentially be very noisy (audio switching frequency) especially with cheap inductors and high peak currents. Have a look at these venerable switchers like the µA78S40 (MOT did manufacture it but it had been originally introduced by Signetics if I am not mistaken) or the MC34063, still sold in high volume. They were nice noise generators when operating : )