W. Tang

Bio: W. Tang is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Current loop & Inductor. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 430 citations.

Small-signal modeling of average current-mode control

Abstract: A recently proposed average current-mode control method is analyzed. A complete small-signal model for the control scheme is developed. The model is accurate up to half the switching frequency. This control scheme is suitable for applications where the average inductor current needs to be controlled, as in power factor correction circuits and battery charger dischargers. The subharmonic oscillation, commonly found in peak current-mode control, also exists in this method. This subharmonic oscillation can be eliminated by properly choosing the proper gain of the compensation network in the current loop. Model predictions are confirmed experimentally. >

Small-signal modeling of average current-mode control

Abstract: A recently proposed average current-mode control is analyzed. A complete small-signal model for the control scheme is developed. The model is accurate up to half the switching frequency. By closing the current loop, a flat control-to-inductor current transfer function, up to half the switching frequency, can be achieved. This control scheme enables the converter to behave as an ideal current source. The subharmonic oscillation, as frequently reported in peak current-mode control, also exists in this control. This subharmonic oscillation can be eliminated by choosing a proper gain of the compensation network in the current loop. Model predictions are confirmed experimentally. >

Sensorless current mode control-an observer-based technique for DC-DC converters

Abstract: Sensorless current mode (SCM) control is an observer method that provides the operating benefits of current mode control without current sensing. SCM has significant advantages over both conventional peak and average current-mode control techniques in noise susceptibility and dynamic range. The method supports both line and bulk load regulation, and reduces control complexity to a single loop. The static and dynamic performance of SCM are analyzed and verified experimentally for DC-DC converters. Performance in continuous and discontinuous modes compares favorably to conventional techniques when noise is not a factor, but is significantly better when noise and wide load ranges are a concern. The SCM method encompasses one-cycle control as a special case; the general SCM method is introduced here as a public domain control technique.

Active Current Sharing and Source Management in Fuel Cell–Battery Hybrid Power System

Abstract: Fuel cells (FCs) are being considered as a potential alternative in long term to replace diesel/gasoline combustion engines in vehicles and emergency power sources. However, high cost and slow dynamic response of FC still persist as the main hurdles for wider applications. To remedy this problem, an energy storage system with adequate power capacity has to be incorporated. This paper presents a novel control design for FC-battery hybrid power system which enables both active current sharing and power source management control in such hybrid systems. Different hybrid power system structures are investigated and evaluated; dual-converter structure and four modes of operation are defined to provide efficient and sustainable solution to such a hybrid power system. A novel integrated control system with inherent current sharing and generation mode swapping capability is proposed; based on system component status, the control system is able to regulate the output power from each source under different scenarios. The dedicated control system is implemented in a TMS320F2812 DSP, and experimental results for an FC-battery-based uninterruptible power supply are provided to demonstrate the static and dynamic performance of the control system.

Multiport Power Electronic Interface—Concept, Modeling, and Design

Abstract: The continuous effort to improve efficiency, reduce particle, and greenhouse gase emissions leads to the emergence of the concept “more electric.” This concept helps to boost the performance as well as the flexibility of the domestic and vehicular applications; however, on the other hand, it excessively burdens current power networks (including vehicle power systems). In order to remedy this problem, simultaneous usage of renewable sources and energy storages is encouraged. A multiconverter system is commonly adopted to process the renewable power in form of distributed generation. However, due to the discrete structure of such systems, power flow and load regulation are coordinated via communication channel, which inevitably reduces the reliability and dynamic response of the system. This paper presents the concept of multiport power electronic interface (MPEI) for renewable energy sources and storages. With a unified modular topology and highly integrated digital control system, controlled quasi-current source is achieved for each input port in both steady-state and transient power-sharing modes. MPEI analysis, modeling, design, and system operation are treated in a systematic manner in this paper. Both power stages and digital control system are implemented for a five-port MPEI. Experiments are conducted under meaningful operation scenarios. The results are presented to prove the feasibility of MPEI concept and system design methodology.

Switching regulator using a quadratic boost converter for wide DC conversion ratios

Abstract: A controller design methodology for a quadratic boost converter with a single active switch is developed. This converter has two LC filters; thus, it will exhibit fourth-order characteristic dynamics. However, only the first inductor current and the output capacitor voltage are selected for feedback purposes. This current can also be used for one-cycle overload protection; therefore, the full benefits of current-mode control are maintained. Average current-mode control is selected over peak current-mode control because this strategy provides a faster transient response and better noise immunity. The high-gain compensator of the current loop helps tracking the current programme with a high degree of accuracy. The robustness of the proposed controller is tested under changes in the input voltage, output load and reference signal.

Charge control: modeling, analysis and design

Abstract: There are many ways to use the inductor current of a PWM converter as part of its feedback control mechanism. A simple and widely used method is peak current-mode control which uses the instantaneous inductor current as part of the control signals. Charge control is a special type of current-mode control. It uses the integration of the on-time inductor current as the feedback control signal. The characteristics of charge control are studied. A complete small-signal analysis is performed for the control scheme. Subharmonic oscillation similar to that of peak current-mode control is found, and the relationship between subharmonic oscillation and the line/load condition of charge control is defined. Based on the analysis, design guidelines which guarantee the stability of the control system under given line and load ranges are proposed. The small-signal model was confirmed experimentally. >