Unit 4
Part A
1. What is the purpose of power stage modeling in a PWM converter?
Power stage modeling represents the behavior of the power circuit (inductor, capacitor, switch,
and diode) and helps analyze dynamic performance and design control loops.
2. Define PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).
PWM is a modulation technique where the width of the switching pulse is varied to control the
output voltage or current of a converter.
3. What is meant by small-signal modeling in converters?
Small-signal modeling linearizes the converter equations around a steady operating point to
analyze stability and control characteristics.
4. Why is voltage feedback important in PWM converters?
Voltage feedback helps regulate the output voltage by comparing it to a reference and adjusting
the duty cycle accordingly.
5. What is the role of the PWM block in converter modeling?
The PWM block converts the control signal into a duty cycle, which drives the switching
element of the converter.
6. What is the difference between the average model and the switched model of a
converter?
The average model smooths out high-frequency switching effects and captures the low-
frequency dynamics, while the switched model includes actual on/off states of the switch.
7. Define duty cycle in a PWM converter.
Duty cycle is the ratio of the ON time of the switch to the total switching period, denoted as
𝐷 = 𝑡𝑂𝑁/𝑇
8. How does a buck converter behave in terms of frequency response?
The buck converter exhibits low-pass filter behavior with poles and zeros that determine its
response to input and load variations.
9. What is the significance of averaging power stage dynamics?
Averaging helps in modeling converter behavior over a switching period, enabling simpler
analysis and control design.
10. What is the small-signal transfer function of a boost converter typically used for?
It is used to design controllers and analyze stability by representing the relationship between
small perturbations in input and output signals.
Part B
1. Explain the Power Stage Modelling of a PWM Converter in detail.
Fig: Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Techniques
Power stage modeling involves analyzing the key power components of a PWM converter: the
inductor, capacitor, switch, and diode. The goal is to derive a mathematical representation
(differential equations or transfer functions) that describe how the converter processes input
power and delivers output.
Key components modeled:
• Inductor (L): Stores energy and smooths current.
• Capacitor (C): Filters voltage ripple.
• Switch (MOSFET/IGBT): Controls energy flow.
• Diode: Allows current to flow during the OFF state of the switch.
Basic equations (Buck Converter):
Averaging: Over a switching period, we average these equations based on the duty cycle
D, leading to simplified continuous-time models.
This modeling is critical for dynamic analysis and control design in power electronics.
2. Describe the role and modeling of the PWM block in a DC-DC converter.
The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) block converts the analog control signal (usually a
voltage error) into a digital control signal (a sequence of ON/OFF states for the switch).
Fig: Power conversion in PWM power stages
Function:
• Compares control voltage with a sawtooth or triangular waveform.
• Generates switching signal where the ON time is proportional to the control voltage.
Modeling:
• Treated as a gain block in small-signal models.
• PWM gain is derived from:
Importance in Small-Signal Model:
• Adds to loop gain.
• Affects overall control bandwidth and stability.
PWM block modeling simplifies the control system design by abstracting complex switching
into a manageable linear relationship for analysis.
3. Derive the Small-Signal Model of a Buck Converter and explain its significance.
To derive the small-signal model, we first linearize the converter’s equations around a steady-
state operating point.
Fig: Buck Converter
Steps:
• Determine state variables: typically inductor current 𝑖𝐿 and output voltage 𝑣𝑜.
• Write averaged equations.
• Linearize using small perturbation signals:
4. Explain Averaging Power Stage Dynamics in PWM Converters.
Averaging is a method to derive continuous-time models by averaging the converter’s fast-
switching waveforms over one switching period.
Fig: Buck Converter
Purpose:
• Simplifies the analysis by removing high-frequency components.
• Helps in control design by focusing on slow dynamics.
5. Compare the average models of Buck and Boost converters and discuss their stability
implications.
6. Draw and explain the Frequency Response of a PWM Converter using Bode Plots.
7. Discuss in detail the Voltage Feedback Circuit in PWM Converters and its impact on
system stability.
Fig: PWM feedback controlled DC−DC boost converter
8. Derive and explain the Small-Signal Model of a Boost Converter.
9. Explain the significance of Right-Half Plane (RHP) Zero in Boost Converter and its
effect on control design.
10. Derive the Averaged Model and Frequency Response for a Buck-Boost Converter.
11. Explain how the Small-Signal Model of PWM Converters is used in Controller Design.
