Computational Capability of Low-Cost Microcontroller boards for Controlling Power Electronics Converter: An Experimental Study

The control of power electronics converters (PEC) is an integral part of the overall design. The cost and controlling capability of the controller are very critical selection criteria for economical PECs design. Recently a variety of cost-effective microcontroller development boards have been introduced with different capabilities not only restricted to power electronics applications. The theoretical and experimental understanding of these boards is key to finding the feasibility and utility for specific applications. It is essential to understand the PWM pulse generation capability with the desired range of frequency, duty ratio, and the number of available IOs for controlling the power electronics switches in PECs. This manuscript experimentally tests the low-cost microcontroller boards and interfaces with MATLAB/ Simulink environment for rapid prototyping PECs and to check the efficacy.