A system for particulate filter regeneration includes a pre-converter universal heated exhaust gas oxygen (UHEGO) sensor disposed upstream from a three-way catalytic (TWC) converter and a particulate filter (PF), and a post-converter UHEGO sensor disposed downstream from the TWC converter and upstream from the PF. An engine controller for an internal combustion engine (ICE) and in communication with the pre-converter UHEGO sensor and the post-converter UHEGO sensor is included. The engine controller is configured to determine an amount of particulate mass accumulated in the PF during operation of the ICE and deactivate at least one of a plurality of cylinders of the ICE such that a deactivated cylinder intake air (DCIA) pass-through volume flows through the at least one deactivated cylinder and into the TWC converter and the PF. The DCIA pass-through volume is a function of the determined amount of particulate mass accumulated in the PF.