Mammano Robert A 2017 Fundamentals Of Power Supply Design Texas Instruments Review

The book is methodically structured to follow the natural progression of a design cycle. It moves from basic topologies to magnetic design, loop control, and finally, system-level considerations.

1. Topologies and Basic Principles Mammano begins with the "Big Three" non-isolated topologies: the Buck (step-down), Boost (step-up), and Inverting (Buck-Boost) converters. Unlike dry academic texts, the author focuses heavily on the trade-offs. He explains when to use a specific topology based on efficiency requirements, cost, and physical size, rather than just how to calculate the transfer function. The inclusion of isolated topologies (Flyback, Forward, Push-Pull, and Bridge converters) is handled with the same practical lens, offering insight into the pros and cons of each in real-world applications.

2. The Black Magic: Magnetics Design For many electrical engineers, magnetics are the most intimidating aspect of power design. Mammano demystifies this section. He avoids getting lost in Maxwell's equations, instead focusing on the practical selection of cores, calculating wire gauges for skin effect, and preventing saturation. The section on transformer design for isolated supplies is particularly valuable, offering a step-by-step approach to a subject that is often treated as an art form rather than engineering.

3. Control Loop Stability Perhaps the most critical portion of the book is the treatment of feedback and control loops. Borrowing heavily from the Unitrode seminar legacy, Mammano excels in explaining Bode plots, phase margin, and gain margin. He breaks down the differences between voltage-mode and current-mode control with exceptional clarity. The visual approach to understanding compensation networks (Type I, II, and III) allows engineers to visualize how the circuit reacts to load transients, a skill vital for ensuring the stability of the final product.

4. Advanced and Modern Topics The 2017 edition distinguishes itself by addressing modern challenges. It includes discussions on:

The book is organized to guide the reader from first principles to advanced topologies, all while emphasizing practical trade-offs. It avoids becoming a mere datasheet compilation by focusing on underlying physics and design methodologies.

Part I: Fundamentals of Magnetics and Topologies Mammano starts with the basics: inductors, capacitors, and transformers. He uniquely demystifies magnetic core selection, including saturation, core loss, and air gap calculations. From there, he systematically builds the three primary non-isolated topologies (Buck, Boost, Buck-Boost) before moving to isolated topologies like Flyback, Forward, Push-Pull, and Bridge converters. Each topology is presented with its ideal transfer function, continuous vs. discontinuous conduction mode (CCM/DCM), and component stress analysis.

Part II: Control Loop Design Arguably the most valuable section for practicing engineers, this part tackles feedback and stability. Mammano explains small-signal modeling, pole-zero plots, and the design of Type II and Type III error amplifiers. Crucially, he introduces the concept of loop gain measurement and compensation without excessive mathematical abstraction, often using Bode plots drawn from real hardware measurements. He also covers modern current-mode control (peak, average, and emulated) and its advantages over voltage-mode control.

Part III: Practical Implementation and Layout No power supply works on paper alone. This section covers component selection (MOSFETs, diodes, capacitors, inductors), gate drive circuits, and—critically—printed circuit board (PCB) layout for low noise and thermal management. Mammano provides rules of thumb for minimizing parasitic inductance, managing ground loops, and placing decoupling capacitors. The inclusion of thermal design (junction-to-ambient, heatsinking, and airflow calculations) rounds out the practical focus.

Part IV: Emerging Topics and Specialized Converters Reflecting the 2017 state-of-the-art, the book introduces multi-phase converters for high-current CPUs, switched-capacitor converters (charge pumps), and basic LED driver topologies. It also addresses electromagnetic interference (EMI) fundamentals and filtering techniques.

The 2017 edition looks toward the future. Mammano dedicates an entire chapter to light-load efficiency: the rise of pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) and burst mode to reduce quiescent current in battery-powered devices. He also introduces the concept of Dickson charge pumps for low-current, low-noise step-up/down.

Most engineers fear inductor and transformer design. Mammano tackles this head-on. He covers:

For isolated topologies (flyback, forward, push-pull), he provides transformer design examples step-by-step. He emphasizes that magnetics often consume 70% of the design time but are critical for efficiency.

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Mammano famously states: “A perfect schematic is worthless if the PCB layout converts your converter into an oscillator.” This chapter is gold. He discusses: The book is methodically structured to follow the

He includes PCB layout examples—good and bad—from TI’s evaluation modules, showing how a simple 2-layer board can achieve 90%+ efficiency if routed correctly.

Robust power-supply design combines topology selection, control theory, component-level choices, thermal and EMI management, and rigorous testing. TI’s 2017 fundamentals provide practical guidance; applying those principles with modern devices (GaN, digital controllers) and careful PCB practice yields reliable, efficient supplies.

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Fundamentals of Power Supply Design: A Comprehensive Review

The design of power supplies is a critical aspect of modern electronics, as they play a crucial role in ensuring the reliable operation of a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to servers and data centers. In 2017, Texas Instruments published a comprehensive guide to power supply design, authored by Robert A. Mammano, a renowned expert in the field. This article provides an in-depth review of the fundamentals of power supply design, as outlined in Mammano's seminal work.

Introduction to Power Supply Design

A power supply is a critical component of any electronic system, responsible for converting AC power from the mains to DC power that can be used by the system's components. The design of a power supply involves a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles, as well as a thorough knowledge of the specific requirements of the system being powered. A well-designed power supply must be efficient, reliable, and able to provide a stable output voltage, while also meeting regulatory requirements for safety and electromagnetic compatibility.

Key Components of a Power Supply

A power supply typically consists of several key components, including:

Power Supply Topologies

There are several common power supply topologies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common topologies include:

Control Techniques

Power supply control techniques are used to regulate the output voltage and ensure stable operation of the power supply. Some common control techniques include:

Design Considerations

The design of a power supply involves a number of key considerations, including:

Texas Instruments' Power Supply Design Resources

Texas Instruments provides a wide range of resources to support power supply design, including:

Conclusion

The design of power supplies is a complex and challenging task, requiring a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles and a thorough knowledge of the specific requirements of the system being powered. Robert A. Mammano's 2017 guide to power supply design, published by Texas Instruments, provides a comprehensive review of the fundamentals of power supply design, including key components, power supply topologies, control techniques, and design considerations. By leveraging Texas Instruments' power supply design resources, designers can create efficient, reliable, and cost-effective power supplies that meet the needs of a wide range of applications.

References

Appendix

The following is a list of key terms and definitions related to power supply design:

Review: "Fundamentals of Power Supply Design" by Robert A. Mammano (2017)

Published on January 1, 2017, by Texas Instruments, Fundamentals of Power Supply Design is widely considered a definitive reference for power electronics engineers. Authored by Robert (Bob) A. Mammano—affectionately known as the "Father of the PWM Controller"—the book synthesizes over 40 years of technical expertise from the renowned Unitrode and Texas Instruments Power Supply Design Seminars. About the Author: Bob Mammano

Bob Mammano is a pioneer in the power electronics industry with more than 50 years of experience. His landmark achievements include:

The First PWM Controller: In 1974, he designed the SG1524, the industry's first fully integrated pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller IC.

Industry Leadership: He co-founded Unitrode Corp. in 1981, which was later acquired by Texas Instruments in 1999.

Innovation: He is a named inventor on over 13 patents and served as a lead educator for TI's global power seminars until his retirement in 2010. Key Content and Structure He includes PCB layout examples—good and bad—from TI’s

The 333-page book is structured to guide both novice and experienced designers through the complexities of power stage design. It avoids excessive mathematics in favor of practical, readable explanations and ample illustrations. Fundamentals of Power Supply Design: Robert A. Mammano

Robert "Bob" Mammano —widely celebrated as the " father of the PWM controller "—published his definitive work, Fundamentals of Power Supply Design Texas Instruments

. This wasn't just a textbook; it was a legacy project that distilled nearly 50 years of industry-shaping experience into a single volume. The Visionary's Journey

The story begins decades earlier, when Mammano was a young physicist in the aerospace industry, frustrated by the lack of integrated circuits (ICs) for power control. In 1974, he revolutionized electronics by designing the

, the world’s first fully integrated Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controller IC. This invention single-handedly enabled the transition from bulky linear regulators to efficient, modern switching power supplies. The Unitrode/TI Legacy Throughout his career at Silicon General , and eventually Texas Instruments

, Mammano became the voice of power design education. He was a cornerstone of the legendary Unitrode/TI Power Supply Design Seminars

, which served as the premier technical resource for engineers worldwide for over 40 years. The Book as a "Trove of Knowledge"

By 2017, Mammano realized that the vast technical wealth from those seminars was scattered across decades of individual papers. He decided to emerge from retirement to organize this data into a developmental sequence for the next generation. The resulting 333-page hardcover Fundamental Topologies

: From basic buck/boost converters to complex resonant and bridge designs. Component Selection

: Practical guidance on magnetics (inductors and transformers), capacitors, and semiconductor switches. Advanced Control

: Deep dives into loop compensation, current-mode control, and digital power. Real-World Compliance

: Essential chapters on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), safety standards, and efficiency regulations. The book was officially launched at the 2017 Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC)

, where Mammano met daily with engineers to sign pre-release copies, bridging the gap between a pioneer's history and the future of power electronics. Fundamentals of Power Supply Design: Robert A. Mammano

Published by Texas Instruments in 2017, "Fundamentals of Power Supply Design" by Robert Mammano is a 333-page technical guide based on decades of Unitrode and TI design seminars. The book provides a practical, comprehensive overview of power supply development, covering topologies, control algorithms, stability, and safety regulations. Read the book at Texas Instruments. Innovate, design and learn with TI power experts at APEC by Texas Instruments

"Fundamentals of Power Supply Design" (2017) by Robert A. Mammano, often called the "Father of the PWM Controller," provides a comprehensive technical guide to power electronics based on decades of industrial expertise . Published by Texas Instruments, this foundational text covers key topics ranging from foundational converter topologies to magnetic design and control loop stability . Access the book and its resources via Amazon. Fundamentals of Power Supply Design by Robert A. Mammano

Final chapters will describe the value proposition for digital control and the practical aspects of power supply construction. Goodreads Fundamentals of Power Supply Design by Robert A. Mammano