In essence, "Fundamentals of Power Supply Design" is more than just a collection of formulas. It is a mentorship in book form. For anyone looking to master the art of power conversion, Robert Mammano’s 2017 contribution through Texas Instruments stands as an essential, timeless roadmap. Share public link
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to analyzing power topologies. Mammano breaks these down into non-isolated and isolated configurations, providing rigorous mathematical foundations for each.
High resistivity and low eddy-current losses make them ideal for high-frequency switching, though they saturate abruptly.
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. In essence, "Fundamentals of Power Supply Design" is
Known as the "Father of the PWM controller," Mammano designed the first integrated PWM controller IC (the SG1524) in 1974. His book serves as both a practical introduction for new engineers and a deep-dive reference for seasoned professionals.
: Chapters on the value proposition of digital control and practical construction aspects. Availability Fundamentals of Power Supply Design: Robert A. Mammano
Although written in 2017, the principles contained within the book remain foundational. Share public link A significant portion of the
, published by Texas Instruments in 2017 , serves as one of the most comprehensive engineering textbooks on power electronics. Authored by the industry pioneer widely recognized as the "Father of the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Controller," this 333-page volume compiles over 40 years of technical expertise from the historic Unitrode and Texas Instruments Power Supply Design Seminars.
Robert Mammano’s Fundamentals of Power Supply Design remains the "bible" for the practical engineer. It occupies the perfect middle ground between a textbook and a datasheet. It does not just teach you how to calculate component values; it teaches you how to think like a power supply designer.
). Mammano highlights how Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) mitigates switching losses at elevated frequencies. 3. Magnetics: Inductors and Transformers Arguably the most valuable section for practicing engineers,
As a Texas Instruments publication, it aligns with standard industry practices, particularly regarding IC selection and application.
The following is a list of key terms and definitions related to power supply design:
The text then expands into isolated topologies necessary for offline power supplies, including:
While mathematically grounded (using differential equations and Laplace transforms where needed), Mammano never loses sight of the physical meaning. He provides simplified design equations alongside full derivations, allowing readers to start designing quickly while understanding the limits of their approximations.