Mammano Robert A 2017 Fundamentals Of Power Supply Design Texas Instruments
| Feature | Mammano (2017) | Other Textbooks (e.g., Erickson & Maksimovic) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Mathematical rigor | Moderate (focused on design equations) | High (heavy on state-space averaging) | | Practical layout advice | Extensive (with photos of real PCBs) | Minimal | | Component selection | Detailed (derating, parasitics) | Theoretical | | Industry relevance | Direct examples from TI parts (LM series, TPS series) | Generic | | Readability | Conversational, tutorial style | Dense, academic |
For a working engineer or a student building their first buck converter, Mammano’s book is far more accessible and immediately useful.
Published in 2017, one might worry the book is dated. On the contrary, its focus on fundamentals ensures its longevity. While silicon processes and packaging have improved (e.g., GaN transistors, integrated power stages), the underlying principles of PWM, inductor volt-second balance, capacitor ripple current, and feedback loop compensation remain unchanged. | Feature | Mammano (2017) | Other Textbooks (e
Engineers praise the book for:
Perhaps the most intimidating aspect of power design for new engineers is magnetics. Mammano devotes significant attention to this, stripping away the "black magic" reputation of transformer and inductor design. While silicon processes and packaging have improved (e
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.
For the student, it is the best possible introduction to the field. For the professional, it is a troubleshooting guide and a refresher on the physics that are often forgotten in the rush of deadlines. In an industry where efficiency and reliability are paramount, this book is an indispensable resource. For the student
Rating: ★★★★★ (Essential Reading)
As switching frequencies increase to reduce component size, efficiency becomes harder to maintain. The book provides excellent coverage of switching losses in MOSFETs and diodes. Mammano explains the mechanisms of turn-on and turn-off losses, allowing engineers to accurately predict efficiency and thermal requirements before building a prototype.
