Zero Current - Quasi Resonant (ZC-QR) for a buck converter

Figure 7 - Zero Current - Quasi Resonant (ZC-QR)

In ZC-QR buck converter, it can be divided into four switching modes in a

duty cycle.

Mode 1
When MOSFET T1 is switched off; the buck converter is operated under a
"OFF" mode. The continuous current is circulated through free wheeling
diode D, inductor L, capacitor C and load RL. This "OFF" period can be varied
for converter modulation and the "ON" time is fixed for resonant purpose.

Mode 2
When T1 is switched on, the Lc current will flow through resonant inductor
Lc and T1 to buck converter. It rises linearly while the free wheeling diode
current falls linearly. This phenomenon will continue up to the Lc current has
taken over the diode current. On the other hand, capacitive loss cause the
losses on T1 when voltage across on the switched "ON" T1.

Mode 3
After a short period, diode D has turned off. A resonate circuit is formed
by Lc and Cc. It leads a sinusoidal current and take the Lc current into
negative, this negative current will switch on the body diode of T1.
Therefore, T1 carried zero current. That means T1 can be switched "OFF" in
a time period when body diode is switched "ON".

Mode 4
Although T1 is switched off, Cc is still to supply current to the buck
converter until Cc's voltage fall to zero. Free wheeling diode D then switch
"ON" and takes over the load current. Up this moment, operations will be
repeated as Mode 1.
Waveform of Zero Current - Quasi Resonant (ZC-QR)