With the variation of circuit parameters, the operation-state regions of current-mode-controlled switching dc-dc converters can shift among stable period region, robust chaos region in continuous conduction mode, and intermittent chaos region in discontinuous conduction mode. This paper presents a unified approach to the operation-states analysis of switching dc-dc converters with ramp compensation. The piecewise map model of the converters is first derived. With the bifurcation analyses, two boundary classification equations of the orbit state shifting are then obtained. Finally, the operation-state regions are well classified. To verify the theoretical analysis results, 2-D bifurcation diagrams are simulated and experimentations with current-mode-controlled buck converter are conducted. It is revealed that regular and irregular (chaotic or intermittent) operation states can be generated depending on circuit parameters or control of ramp-compensation current.