Mammano Robert A 2017 Fundamentals Of Power Supply Design Texas Instruments
Mammano begins by establishing the fundamental laws governing power conversion, primarily the conservation of energy. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the three primary non-isolated converter topologies, which form the basis for almost all other designs:
The text then expands into isolated topologies necessary for offline power supplies, including:
In the world of electronic engineering, few names command as much respect in the field of power management as Robert A. Mammano. A pioneer credited with developing the first monolithic pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller (the SG1524), Mammano has spent decades shaping how we convert, regulate, and protect electrical energy. In 2017, under the aegis of Texas Instruments (TI), he released what has quickly become a canonical text: Fundamentals of Power Supply Design.
For engineers, students, and seasoned hobbyists, this book is not just a collection of datasheets or application notes—it is a structured, intuitive journey through the physics, topology, and practical realities of power supply design. This article explores the book’s core philosophy, its technical depth, and why the combination of Mammano’s expertise and TI’s resources makes this a definitive reference for the 21st century. The text then expands into isolated topologies necessary
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. and protect electrical energy. In 2017
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’s publication by Texas Instruments is critical. Unlike a generic textbook, this volume is infused with real-world application notes, reference designs, and references to TI’s extensive portfolio of power ICs (from simple LDOs to complex multi-phase buck controllers). It serves as both a learning tool and a practical design guide that works seamlessly with TI’s WEBENCH® Power Designer tool and the thousands of evaluation modules (EVMs) available to engineers. and seasoned hobbyists
The content is consistent with TI’s commitment to "Analog for the Next Generation"—meaning it teaches timeless principles while acknowledging modern challenges like:
Fundamentals of Power Supply Design is widely regarded as an essential "bible" for engineers working in power electronics. Published by Texas Instruments, this book serves as both a textbook for students and a practical reference for practicing engineers. Robert Mammano, a pioneer in the power electronics industry (often credited as the inventor of the first PWM controller IC), leverages decades of experience to demystify the complex art of converting power efficiently.
The book bridges the gap between theoretical circuit analysis and the practical realities of designing stable, efficient power supplies using modern integrated circuits.