Session 2: Basic operation and analysis of a DC/DC converter

2.1 Aims and objetives

The aim of this task is to develop a simple model of a Buck converter in Matlab/Simulink, while the
objective is to better understand the operation of the Buck converter. The general principles
behind developing this model can be applied to any power electronic converter system-boost
converters, three phase inverters, rectifiers etc. used for your project.

2.2 Introduction to the Buck Converter

𝑉𝑔 = 12𝑉, 𝑅𝐿 = 0.5Ω, 𝑅𝐶(𝐸𝑆𝑅) = 5𝑚Ω, 𝑅0 = 10Ω, 𝐿 = 33𝑚𝐻, 𝐶 = 680𝜇𝐹

The general topology of a DC/DC Buck converter is shown in Figure 1. The operation of the Buck
converter can be researched in Mohan, Undelands and Robbins [1]. [1]also contains useful
information regarding other power electronic converter types. It is an excellent source of
information.

The main purpose of a Buck converter is to step-down the DC input voltage to a lower DC voltage
at the output. In a step down converter, the output voltage is always lower than the input voltage.
This circuit is commonly used in many power conversion applications such as switch mode power
supplies, renewable energy systems, and in electric systems within vehicles. In Fig. 1, the circuit
includes the inductor body resistance (𝑅𝐿 ), and the capacitor equivalent series resistance (𝑅𝐶 ).
The load (𝑅𝑂 ) is considered as par of the DC/DC converter to take account of the effect of any
load change to the dynamic response of the system. It is assumed that the diode is characterized
by an ideal diode. For now, the mathematics will be kept to a minimum.

2.3 Task 1: Developing the DC/DC converter model using Simulink

 With the help of the “SimPowerSystems” library, construct a Buck converter model in
Simulink. On completion, the model should look like Fig. 2. (Don´t panic-see following
insructions for some useful guidance).

The following instructions assume you are using Matlab 2015a. Within Matlab open the Simulink
library browser-this will give you a long list of libraries, each of which contains a large number of
blocks which can be used to develop any given model. There are two options to open the library as
shown in Fig. 3, either click on the button or type “Simulink” into the command window, Fig. 4
should appear. Here, we are only going to work with a small number of libraries. For this model we
are using blocks from the standard “Simulink” library and the “SimPowerSystems” library which
contains most of the basic elements required for simulating power electronics and electric drives
systems. Feel free to explore the full contents of this library in your own time. Here we will just
focus on the small number of components required to construct the Buck Converter.

Figure 2: Example Simulink model of a Buck converter, with simple open loop PWM control.

Figure 3: Simulink Library Browser Options

To start with, create a new model by clicking on the button as shown in Fig. 5, a blank model called
“untitled” should appear; save this in a suitable place. In the Simulink Library Browser, where is
states “Enter Search term”, search for “powergui” (Environment block for SimPowerSystems
models); right click on the “powergui” block selecting “Add to…”, this will add the block to your
system. Double click in the “powergui” block to open up further options, in the “Solver” options,
choose “Simulation type: Discrete”, “Solver type: Tustin/Backward Euler (TBE)” and set the
“Sample Time” to “1e-6”.

Figure 4: Simulink Library Browser

Figure 5: Button to create a new model

 For the “Ideal Switch”, navigate to the “Simscape: SimPowerSystems: Specialized

Technology: Fundamental Blocks: Power Electronics”. It is possible to choose one of a
number of semiconductor devices – IGBT, MOSFET etc. the choice is usually determined by
the voltage and power rating of the Buck converter. This is not a real concern at this stage.
Therefore, for simplicity, use an “Ideal Switch” for the circuit. It is possible to modify the
behavior of the ideal switch, but here use the default parameters. As before, right click to
add to your simulation.
 The diode can be found in the same library, “Simscape: SimPowerSystems: Specialized
Technology: Fundamental Blocks: Power Electronica”. Add a “Diode” block to the
simulation model. Again, it is possible to modify the behavior of the diode, but for now do
not change the default parameters.
  For all resistors, inductors and capacitors, go to the “Simscape: SimpowerSystems:
Specialized Technology: Fundamental Blocks: Elements” library. Use a “Series RLC
branch” block for each of these passive components. Drag and drop one of these blocks
into the simulation model. Double click on the symbol. In the pop-up window modify the
parameters of the block to match the component of interest. The pop-up window should
be fairly intuitive.

Set the component values as follows:

𝑅𝐿 = 0.5Ω, 𝐿 = 33𝑚𝐻, 𝑅𝑐(𝐸𝑆𝑅) = 5𝑚Ω, 𝐶 = 680𝜇𝐹, 𝑅𝑜 = 10Ω,

 For the input voltage source, use a “DC voltage Source” block (“Simscape:
SimPowerSystems: Specialized Technology: Fundamental Blocks: Electrical Sources”).
Drag and drop one of these into the simulation model.double click on the symbol. In the
pop-up window configure the voltage for 12Vdc.

At this stage, set the components out on the screen and simply join them together to form the
Buck converter circuit as shown in Fig. 2. The circuit will not do anything yet until a control circuit
is provided (this will be added next)

For the control signal, “u”, begin by considering an open loop system. Implement a simple Pulse
Width Modulation (PWM) circuit as shown in the top left of Fig. 2. (See [1] for information on
PWM).

The circuit comprises of the following blocks which can be found in the “Simulink” library

 “Constant” (“Simulink: Commonly used Blocks”)

 “Repeating Sequence” (“Simulink: Sources”)
 “Relational Operator” (“Simulink: Commonly used Blocks”)

Set the constant to 0.5 – this is the modulation signal used to control the duty cycle of the PWM
control signal, “u”. Set the repeating sequence block for 1𝑘𝐻𝑧 PWM. To do this, the time values
field must be set for a repetition of 1ms (the period of the PWM); [𝟎 𝟏𝒆 − 𝟑]. Set the output
values to [𝟎 𝟏]. Finally, double click on the logic operator block and configure it to behave as a
“>=” block. Connect the blocks together as shown in Fig. 2.

Current meaviement & Voltage measurement.

NOTE: You cannot directly connect a Scope to a SimPowerSystems circuit. To measure the
parameters voltage and current measurement blocks are needed, these can be found in
“Simscape: SimPowerSystems: Specialized Technology: Fundamental Blocks: Measurements”.
You will need both “Current Measurement”, and “Voltage Measurement” blocks. The “Scope”
blocks can be found in “Simulink: Sinks”; add the Scope blocks to your model as shown in Fig. 2.
“Scope” blocks have a limitation with the number of data points they save, this is automatically set
to 5ooo points. It is recommended that you remove this limit. As shown in Fig. 6, if you click on the
“Parameters” button (highlighted in red) and click on the “History” tab, you can remove the
limitation of 5ooo points.
Figure 6. Scope Parameters

It is recommended that you monitor the following signals

Signal Measurements:

 PWM control signal, “u”- connect a Scope to the output of the PWM control circuitry.
 Switching signal, “s”- connect a Scope to the output of the repeating sequence block.

Power Measurements:

 Output voltage-place a “voltage measurement” block in parallel with the load.

 Diode voltage-place a “voltage measurement” block in parallel with the diode, this will
allow you to monitor the voltage applied to the LC circuit in the Buck converter.
 Inductor current-place a “voltage measurement” block in series with the inductor.

2.4 Task 2: Verifying the characteristics of the circuit

If your Simulation has been correctly implemented, it is now time to simulate the circuit. Set the
simulation time to 0.1 seconds, and then run the simulation. The areas highlighted in Fig. 7 allow
you to achieve this. You also need to set the simulation solver settings, these can be accessed in
“Simulation: Model Configuration Parameters”. Set the solver options as shown in Fig. 8.

Figure 7: Run and Time Buttons

Figure 8: Simulation Settings

Fix any errors with the simulation if necessary, then proceed to study the circuit as follows:

 Initially, consider the PWM circuit. Observe the control signal, “u”, witch 1 kHz switching
and a constant modulation signal of 0.5. You should find that this signal is a square wave
with 50% duty cycle.
  Vary the magnitude of the constant within the range of 0 to 1. Comment on the effect on
the control signal, “u”. Does the circuit behave as expected?

Change the duty cycle in the same magnitude, for instance, 0.5 → 50%, 0.2 → 20%,
0.7 → 70%, the frequency is the same.

 Now, consider the PWM controlled Buck Converter. Observe the load voltage, inductor
current, and voltage across the diode with 1kHz switching and a constant modulation
signal of 0.5
 Draw a simple sketch of the load voltage and inductor current on the following axes.

Figure 9: Buck converter: output voltage. Vin = 12V, D = 0.5

Figure 10: Buck converter: Inductor current. Vin=12V, D= 0.5

 By varying the magnitude of the constant duty cycle ratio, "D" from 0.1 to 0.9, complete
the following table:
D 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9
𝑉𝑖𝑛 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡
(average),
0.468 1.682 2.905 4.122 5.25 6.562 7.78 9 10.21
(steady.
State)

𝐼𝐿 (average) 0.045 0.17 0.29 0.415 0.55 0.66 0.78 0.9 1.022
  While using the axes provided below, plot a graph of D(x-axis) versus output voltage (y-
axis)

Figure 11: Output Voltage vs. D

The ideal relationship between the input voltage and output voltage with respect to the applied
modulation signal is:

Do the results generally* confirm this relationship? (*the simulated circuit includes parasitic
components such as 𝑅𝐿 and𝑅𝐶 , so it will not be perfect, but should be close).

The results that were obtained confirm the relationship𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝐷𝑋 𝑉𝑖𝑛 , and the graph shows that
the relationship between the duty cycle and 𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 is liner.

2.5 Task 3: Taking a closer look at the circuit behavior

 Take a closer look at the voltage waveform across the load. Try to explain the
characteristics of this waveform. You may need to zoom into the waveform to fully see the
behavior of the load voltage.

The voltage waveform across the load has oscillations. The oscillation is around the overall valve
and has the same frequency of PWM signal (control) in the exercise 1 kHz. The oscillations are
sinusoidal.

 Now, take a closer look at the current waveform in the inductor. Try to explain the
characteristics of this waveform. You may need to zoom into the waveform to fully see the
behavior of the inductor current.

The current waveform has oscillations around the overall valve of the wave. The difference of this
oscillation is that has saw tooth oscillations compare to the voltage.
  Increase the value of the capacitor in the circuit - for example multiply it by 10. Then
reduce the value of the capacitor – for example divide it by 10. In each case, take another
look at the load voltage waveform and inductor current waveform. Explain this behavior.
([1] may be useful here!). Note: if necessary, change the simulation time.

Voltage

Voltage

Current

Current
Max. Current (A)
Max. Voltage (V)

(0.14 – 0.15s)

(0.14-0.15s)

(0.14-0.15s)

(0.14-0.15s)
Ripple (A)

Ripple (A)
Ripple (V)

Ripple (V)
Max.

Max.
Min.

Min.
𝐶 = 680𝜇𝐹 6.85 0.94 5.355 5.335 0.58 0.48
𝐶 = 6800𝜇𝐹 7.98 2.3 5.72 5.64 0.7 0.5
𝐶 = 68𝜇𝐹 5.44 0.58 5.44 5.26 0.58 0.48
Table 1: Varying Capacitor Value Results

Depends the value of capacitor how is the behavior of the output voltage:

When the value is 680µF the response is underdamped have overshoot and doesn´t have effect of
PWM control.

When the valve is 6800µF the response is slow that the others and has major setting time.

While the last one 68µF has a overdamped response, the output voltage doesn´t have overshoot,
it is seen that there is little oscillation with the frequency of PWM.

Figure 12: Buck Converter Output Voltage, Varying Capacitor Values

Did all in the same graph 1

Figure 13: Buck Converter Output Voltage Ripples, Varying Capacitor Values
Figure 14: Buck Converter Inductor Current, Varying Capacitor Values.

Figure 15: Buck Converter Inductor Current Ripples, Varying Capacitor Values (Green line
underneath blue)

 Set the capacitor back to its original value of the inductor in the circuit – for example
double it. Then reduce the value of the inductor – for example halve it. In each case, take
another look at the load voltage waveform and inductor current waveform. Explain this
behavior([1] may be useful here!)
Voltage

Voltage

Current

Current
Max. Current (A)
Max. Voltage (V)

(0.14 – 0.15s)

(0.14-0.15s)

(0.14-0.15s)

(0.14-0.15s)
Ripple (A)

Ripple (A)
Ripple (V)

Ripple (V)
Max.

Max.
Min.

Min.
𝐿 = 33𝑚𝐻
𝐿 = 66𝑚𝐻
𝐿 = 16.5𝑚𝐻

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………….

Figure 16: Buck Converter Output Voltage, Varying Inductor Values

Figure 17: Buck converter Output Voltage Ripple, Varying Inductor Values
Figure 18: Buck Converter Inductor Current, Varying Inductor Values

Figure 19: Buck Converter Inductor Current Ripples, Varying Inductor Values

Set the inductor and capacitor back to their original values. Now, change the switching frequency
of the PWM circuit to 10 kHz. Re - run the simulation. Take another look at the inductor current
and load voltage waveform. Explain the behavior of the circuit.
Voltage

Voltage

Current

Current
Max. Current (A)
Max. Voltage (V)

(0.14 – 0.15s)

(0.14-0.15s)

(0.14-0.15s)

(0.14-0.15s)
Ripple (A)

Ripple (A)
Ripple (V)

Ripple (V)
Max.

Max.
Min.

Min.
𝑓 = 100 𝐻𝑧
𝑓 = 1 𝐻𝑧
𝑓 = 10 𝐻𝑧

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………

Figure 20: Buck Converter Output Voltage, Varying Frequency Values

Figure 21: Buck Converter Output Voltage Ripple, Varying Frequency Values

Figure 22: Buck Converter Inductor Current, Varying Frequency Values

Figure 23: Buck Converter Inductor Current Ripple, Varying Frequency Values

2.6 Some general tips on simulation modeling

 If it works first time, think yourself lucky! It is rare that a simulation model will work as
expected first time round – like it or not, you are going to have to debug the simulation!
 When debugging a simulation, consider the problem logically and where possible simplify
things as much as possible. First try to confirm that the subsystems within the model
behave properly.
 No matter how small or obvious you think it is, never assume something is okay until you
have checked it properly. E.g. does the PWM actually generate 1 kHz PWM? Has this been
verified on the scope?
 Most important of all: A simulation model should generally be used to confirm your
understanding of the system. It should not be used togenerate answers to something you
do not understand!! When questioned, you should be prepared to explain the result.

2.7 Reference

[1] Mohan, Undelands, and Robbins, "Power Electronics, Converters. Aplications and Design."
Vol. 3rd Edition, Willey, Ed., ed.