8.4.10 Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM)

With sufficient charge current the BQ24725A’s inductor current never crosses zero, which is defined as continuous conduction mode. The controller starts a new cycle with ramp coming up from 200mV. As long as EAO voltage is above the ramp voltage, the high-side MOSFET (HSFET) stays on. When the ramp voltage exceeds EAO voltage, HSFET turns off and low-side MOSFET (LSFET) turns on. At the end of the cycle, ramp gets reset and LSFET turns off, ready for the next cycle. There is always break-before-make logic during transition to prevent cross-conduction and shoot-through. During the dead time when both MOSFETs are off, the body-diode of the low-side power MOSFET conducts the inductor current.

During CCM mode, the inductor current is always flowing and creates a fixed two-pole system. Having the LSFET turn-on keeps the power dissipation low, and allows safely charging at high currents.