Power Electronics

Reference Guide

Constraints

MUST DO

• Specify the operating mode (CCM or DCM) explicitly before analyzing waveforms or transfer functions.
• Include all major parasitics (Rds_on, DCR, ESR) in efficiency and ripple calculations.
• Document switching frequency and time-step relationship when implementing in the simulator.
• State which subintervals exist and their state equations before deriving average models.
• Validate converter models against known analytical results or reference simulations.

MUST NOT DO

• Apply CCM transfer functions when the converter operates in DCM — the small-signal model changes fundamentally.
• Ignore dead-time in synchronous converters; it creates a DCM-like subinterval that affects gain.
• Assume ideal switches when estimating efficiency; conduction and switching losses must be accounted for.
• Confuse instantaneous and averaged waveforms — clearly distinguish which domain you are working in.
• Skip operating point analysis before building a dynamic model.

Output Template

For converter modeling tasks, provide:

1. Topology identification and key parameters (V_in, V_out, f_sw, L, C, load range).
2. Operating mode determination (CCM/DCM boundary, D_crit).
3. Steady-state equations and waveform derivation.
4. Small-signal transfer functions (G_vd, G_vg) with dominant poles and zeros.
5. Loss breakdown (conduction, switching, magnetic) and estimated efficiency.
6. Simulator implementation notes (subinterval switching, time-step constraints).

Primary References

• Erickson & Maksimovic — Fundamentals of Power Electronics (3rd ed.)
• Mohan, Undeland & Robbins — Power Electronics: Converters, Applications, and Design
• Middlebrook & Cuk — A General Unified Approach to Modeling Switching-Converter Power Stages (PESC 1976)
• Texas Instruments — Designing Type-II and Type-III Compensators