User`s guide
Software Design
© 2008 Microchip Technology Inc. DS70320B-page 63
FIGURE 3-12: MULTI-PHASE BUCK CONVERTER PWM DRIVE SIGNALS
3.4.2.2 MULTI-PHASE BUCK CONVERTER IMPLEMENTATION USING THE 
dsPIC DSC
Table 3-5 summarizes the resource allocation for the Multi-Phase Buck Converter. 
TABLE 3-5: dsPIC
®
 DSC RESOURCE ALLOCATION FOR MULTI-PHASE 
BUCK CONVERTER
The output voltage is measured from the analog input AN3. As this converter uses 
voltage mode control, there is no need for current measurement. However, overcurrent 
protection must be provided for each individual phase. Overcurrent protection is 
implemented using the analog comparators on the dsPIC33FJ16GS504. CMP2A, 
CMP3A and CMP4A are used for the overcurrent sensing for the Multi-Phase Buck 
Converter.
Each of the three phases is driven by a pair of complementary PWM signals. The PWM 
module on the dsPIC33FJ16GS504 provides a built-in mode to generate a pair of 
complementary PWM outputs with dead time insertion. The PWM module also has a 
feature to generate a Master Period and Master Duty Cycle for multiple outputs. PWM1, 
PWM2, and PWM3 are all configured for a PWM switching frequency of approximately 
500 kHz, and complementary mode operation with dead time.
PWM2 is phase advanced by 120 degrees from PWM1, and PWM3 is phase advanced 
by 120 degrees from PWM2 (or 240 degrees from PWM1). The voltage control loop is 
executed every two PWM cycles. The control loop is called from the ADC ISR.
The output of the voltage control loop is used to directly modify the PWM Master Duty 
Cycle to control the output voltage.
12V Input
3.3V Output
GND
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Q5
Q6
120º 120º 120º
Q1
Q3
Q5
Drive Signals are 
Phase-Shifted by 120º
Description Type of Signal dsPIC
®
 DSC Resource Used
Buck 1 Current Analog Comparator Input CMP2A
Buck 2 Current Analog Comparator Input CMP3A
Buck 3 Current Analog Comparator Input CMP4A
Buck Voltage Analog Input AN3
Multi-Phase Synchronous 
Gate Drive
Drive Outputs PWM1H, PWM1L,
PWM2H, PWM2L,
PWM3H, PWM3L










