A consistent framework for robust linear quadratic regulators (LQRs) control of power converters is presented. Systems with conventional LQR controllers present good stability properties and are optimal with respect to a certain performance index. However, LQR control does not assure robust stability when the system is highly uncertain. In this paper, a convex model of converter dynamics is obtained taking into account uncertainty of parameters. In addition, the LQR control for switching converters is reviewed. In order to apply the LQR control in the uncertain converter case, we propose to optimize the performance index by using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). As a consequence, a new robust control method for dc-dc converters is derived. This LMI-LQR control is compared with classical LQR control when designing a boost regulator. Performance of both cases is discussed for load and line perturbations, working at nominal and non nominal conditions. Finally, the correctness of the proposed approach is verified with experimental prototypes.

A stability analysis for a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) scheme based on extremum-seeking control is developed for a photovoltaic (PV) array supplying a dc-to-dc switching converter. The global stability of the extremum-seeking algorithm is demonstrated by means of Lyapunov's approach. Subsequently, the algorithm is applied to an MPPT system based on the "perturb and observe" method. The steady-state behavior of the PV system with MPPT control is characterized by a stable oscillation around the maximum power point. The tracking algorithm leads the array coordinates to the maximum power point by increasing or decreasing linearly with time the array voltage. Off-line measurements are not required by the control law, which is implemented by means of an analog multiplier, standard operational amplifiers, a flip-flop circuit and a pulsewidth modulator. The effectiveness of the proposed MPPT scheme is demonstrated experimentally under different operating conditions.

In this paper, second-order sliding-mode (SOSM) control approach is applied to synchronous buck dc-dc converters. The proposed SOSM controller can stabilize synchronous buck dc-dc converters using a simple digital state-machine structure, without requiring current sensing or an integral term in the control loop. The SOSM controller results in fast step-load and start-up transient responses, and is robust against parameter uncertainties. Fast transients and current limitation during start up can be accomplished by adjusting one controller parameter. Furthermore, a hysteresis method is introduced to control the switching frequency. The proposed approach is verified by experimental results on a 1.25-V 10-A prototype.

This work presents an analytical study and an experimental verification of a robust control design based on a linear matrix inequalities (LMI) framework for boost regulators. With the proposed LMI method, non-linearities and uncertainties are modelled as a convex polytope. Thus, the LMI constraints permit to robustly guarantee a certain perturbation rejection level and a region of pole location. With this approach, the multiobjective robust controller is computed automatically by a standard optimisation algorithm. The proposed method results in a state-feedback law efficiently implementable by operational amplifiers. PSIM simulations and experimental results obtained from a prototype are used to validate this approach. The results obtained are compared with a conventional PID controller.

This paper presents a robust control synthesis framework for switched DC-DC converters. The framework is based on an LMI formulation which can be solved automatically by efficient convex optimization algorithms. The method considers parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions such that it can take into account the uncertainty of converter parameters, nonlinear dynamics (such as state-dependence), as well as transient and steady-state performances that can be imposed beforehand. The result of the proposed synthesis method is a gain-scheduled controller that guarantees stability despite the accounted nonlinear dynamics and can provide excellent performances. Two different synthesis examples are shown for a DC-DC boost converter and their performance and robustness are compared with a standard control approach as current-mode control, both in nominal and non-nominal conditions. Finally, the proposed approach is verified with experimental results.

This paper presents a new integral control law for a boost converter that ensures the stability of large-signal operation. The integral controller is derived in two steps by means of passivity-based control theory. First, a static law, which ensures global stability, is obtained. Secondly, a combination of the storage function of this static law and a new positive semidefinite storage function results in a new integral control law. The proposed regulator satisfies the usual transient specifications and behaves robustly for parameter uncertainty. Global stability is guaranteed even if the duty cycle saturation is taken into account. Simulation and experimental results verify the theoretical predictions.