Stability Analysis of Coupled-Inductor-Based Buck Converter: Participation Factors Approach

A coupled-inductor-based fourth-order buck converter is introduced in this article. The salient features of this topology are lower source current ripples like in conventional buck converter with input filter, no need of connecting an additional damping network across the input filter capacitor, additional flexibility provided by the coupling in the performance tuning, and the existing input
C
₁
–
L
_1
m
structure itself acts as a ripple steering network. The detailed steady-state analysis is evolved and conditions for source current ripple reductions are formulated. Subsequently, small-signal analysis is established and a proportional plus integral plus derivative type controller is designed to ensure load voltage regulation. To enhance the dynamic performance, a two-loop voltage-mode controller is designed. The stability analysis of the closed-loop coupled-inductor-based buck converter is carried out through the eigenvalue sensitivity and participation factors approach. The impact of converter parameters on the converter system stability is discussed. In comparison with the single-loop voltage-mode controller, the two-loop voltage-mode controller is able to ensure that the closed-loop poles stay away from the
jω
-axis and, thus, the two-loop voltage-mode controller exhibits better dynamic performance. Analytical findings are validated on a 75 W, 60 to 36 V prototype converter. Steady-state and dynamic performance characterizing measurement results are given for validation of the concept.