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Design of a Boost Converter

Submitted by
Abdul Fathah (109EE0612)

Department of Electrical Engineering

National Institute of Technology Rourkela
-1-
 Design of a Boost Converter

A Thesis submitted in partial accomplishment for the degree of

Bachelor of Technology in “Electrical Engineering”

By

Abdul Fathah (109EE0612)

Under guidance of
Prof. B.D. Subudhi

Department of Electrical Engineering

National Institute of Technology
Rourkela-769008 (ODISHA)
June-2013
-2-
 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, ROURKELA
ODISHA, INDIA-769008

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Design of a Boost Converter”, submitted by Abdul
Fathah (Roll. No. 109EE0612), in partial fulfillment for the award of Bachelor of Technology
in “Electrical Engineering” during session 2012-2013 at National Institute of Technology,
Rourkela. An authentic record of research work carried out by him under my supervision and
guidance.
The student has fulfilled all the recommended requirements.
The Thesis is based on candidate’s own work, has not submitted elsewhere for a degree/diploma.
In my opinion, this thesis is of standard required for the award of a bachelor of technology
degree in Electrical Engineering.

Place: Rourkela
Dept. of Electrical Engineering Prof. B.D. Subudhi
National institute of Technology Project Supervisor
Rourkela-769008

-3-
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

On the submission of my thesis entitled “Design of a Boost Converter”, as a final year

project, I would like to extend my appreciation & my sincere thanks to my project supervisor, a
very generous guide in fact, Prof. B.D. Subudhi, Department of Electrical Engineering for his
ceaseless encouragement and support during the course of my work. I verily appreciate and value
his prestigious guidance and motivation from the beginning to the end of this work. His
knowledge and support at the time of crisis will be remembered lifelong. He has been great
source of inspiration to me and I thank him from the bottom of our hearts.
I would also like to thank the staff of Electrical engineering department for constant
support and providing place to work during project period. Last but not the least I would also like
thank my friends, specially Soumya Ranjan Panda and Subhransu Satpathy who was with
me during thick and thin.

Abdul Fathah
B. Tech (Electrical Engineering)
a
 Dedicated to
My beloved parents

b
 ABSTRACT

The switching mode power supply market is flourishing quickly in today’s

world. Design engineers aren’t always supplied with the desired amount of

voltage they need in order to make their design function properly. Adding an

extra voltage supply to a design is not always cost efficient. This thesis is

proposed to provide the designer with a method of boosting DC voltage from

5 Volts to 15 Volts, by using a boost converter designed specifically for this

task. All aim, calculations, tests, data and conclusions have been documented

within this report. Results of simulation show that the switching converter

will boost voltage from 5 volts to 15 volts with power conversion efficiency of

94.16 percent.

i
 CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS a
ABSTRACT i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ii
LIST OF FIGURES iv

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 RATIONALE 1
1.2 PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT 1

CHAPTER 2
BACKGOUND AND LITERATURE REVIEW 2
2.1 OVERVIEW 2
2.2 HISTORY 2
2.3 APPLICATIONS 2

CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY 4
3.1 GENERAL BOOST CONVERTER CONFIGURATION 4
3.2 BLOCK DIAGRAM 8
3.3 SPECIFICATIONS 9
3.4 COMPONENT FUNCTIONS 9
3.5 COMPONENT CALCULATIONS 9
3.5.1 LOAD RESISTANCE 9
3.5.2 DUTY CYCLE 9
3.5.3 CAPACITOR 10
3.5.4 INDUCTOR 10
3.5.5 DIODE 11
3.5.6 MOSFET 11

ii
 3.6 LOSS CALCULATION 11
3.6.1 DIODE LOSS 11
3.6.2 SWITCHING LOSS 12
3.6.3 GATE CIRCUIT LOSS 12
3.6.4 CONDUCTION LOSS 12
3.7 EFFICIENCY 13
3.8 TRANSFER FUNCTION 13

CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND OBSERATIONS 18
4.1 MATLAB SIMULATION RESULTS 18
4.2 PSPICE SIMULATION RESULTS 19
4.3 OBSERVATIONS 20

CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION 21

REFERENCES 22

iii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1.1 - Circuit Diagram of Boost Converter 4

Figure 3.1.2 - Circuit operation (a) Mode 1 and (b) Mode 2 5

Figure 3.1.3 – Waveforms 6

Figure 3.2.1 - Block diagram 8

Figure 3.8.1 - Switch ON equivalent Circuit 13

Figure 3.8.2 - Switch OFF equivalent circuit 16

Figure 4.1.1 - Circuit Diagram of Boost Converter used in MATLAB 18

Figure 4.1.2 - IO (output current) vs Time in MATLAB 18

Figure 4.1.3 - VOUT(output voltage) vs Time in MATLAB 19

Figure 4.2.1 - Circuit Diagram of Boost Converter used in PSPICE 19

Figure 4.2.2 - VOUT(output voltage) vs Time in PSPICE 20

iv
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 RATIONALE
In many technical applications, it is required to convert a set voltage DC source into a
variable-voltage DC output. A DC-DC switching converter converts voltage directly from DC to
DC and is simply known as a DC Converter. A DC converter is equivalent to an AC transformer
with a continuously variable turns ratio. It can be used to step down or step up a DC voltage source,
as a transformer.
DC converters are widely used for traction motor control in electric automobiles, trolley cars,
marine hoists, forklifts trucks, and mine haulers. They provide high efficiency, good acceleration
control and fast dynamic response. They can be used in regenerative braking of DC motors to return
energy back into the supply. This attribute results in energy savings for transportation systems with
frequent steps. DC converters are used in DC voltage regulators; and also are used, with an inductor
in conjunction, to generate a DC current source, specifically for the current source inverter. [1]

1.2 PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

Efficiency, size, and cost are the primary advantages of switching power converters when
compared to linear converters. The switching power converter efficiencies can run between 70-
80%, whereas linear converters are usually 30% efficient. The DC-DC Switching Boost Converter
is designed to provide an efficient method of taking a given DC voltage supply and boosting it to a
desired value.

1
 Chapter 2

BACKGROUND AND LITERATURE OVERVIEW

2.1 OVERVIEW
Power for the boost converter can come from any suitable DC sources, such as DC
generators, batteries, solar panels and rectifiers. The method that changes one DC voltage to a
different DC voltage is called DC to DC conversion. Generally, a boost converter is a DC to DC
converter with an output voltage greater than the source voltage. It is sometimes called a step-up
converter since it “steps up” the source voltage. [2]

2.2 HISTORY

For high efficiency, the SMPS switch must turn on and off quickly and have very less
losses. The coming of a commercial semiconductor switch such as the boost converter in the 1950s
represented a major milestone that made SMPSs possible. The main DC to DC converters were
developed in the early 1960s when semiconductor switches were available.

Switched systems such as SMPS are a challenge to design since its model depends on whether a
switch is opened or closed. R. D. Middlebrook from Caltech in 1977 published the models for DC
to DC converters in market today. He averaged the circuit configurations for each switch state in a
technique called state-space average modelling. This simplification resulted in reduction of two
systems into one. This model led to insightful design equations which helped SMPS growth. [2]

2.3 APPLICATIONS

Battery powered systems often stack cells in series to obtain higher voltage. However,
sufficient heaping of cells is not possible in many high voltage applications due to insufficient
space. Boost converters can increase the voltage and reduce the cell numbers. Two battery-powered
applications that use boost converters are hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and lighting systems.

The NHW20 model Toyota Prius HEV utilizes 500 V. If there is no boost converter, the HEV
would need nearly 417 cells to power its motor. In reality, a Prius actually uses only 168 cells and
boosts the battery voltage from 202 V to 500 V. On a smaller scale application, boost converters
also power devices such as portable lighting systems and emergency lights. A white LED typically

2
requires 3.3 V to function, and a boost converter can step up the voltage from a single 1.5 V
alkaline cell to power the light. It can also produce higher voltages to operate cold
cathode fluorescent tubes (CCFL) in devices such as LCD backlights and some flashlights.

A boost converter is used as the voltage increase mechanism in the circuit known as the 'Joule thief',
which is a circuit topology used with low power battery applications, and is purposed at the ability
of a boost converter to 'steal' the remaining energy in a battery. The energy remaining would
otherwise be wasted since the low voltage of a nearly depleted battery makes it unusable for a load.
The remaining energy would otherwise remain untapped because many applications do not allow
enough current to flow through a load when voltage degrades. This occurs as batteries are degraded,
and is a characteristic of a normal battery. [2][3]

There are a range of uses for a DC-DC boost converter. Travelers need to carry such devices
when they want to bring electronics from home and the supply of current in a foreign country
differs from that which is present at their home. Sometimes only a plug converter is required, but in
other cases, plugging electronics directly into the power supply could damage the devices. A boost
converter provides a bridge to allow travelers to access electricity safely.
Such devices are also used with systems that require high voltage, ranging from theatrical
lighting to scientific apparatus. The boost converter may in some cases be wired directly into the
electrical supply because of a permanent requirement. In other instances, it becomes necessary to
plug the device in as required, especially in the case of traveling equipment like that used by bands
on the concerts. As with other electrical devices, it is advisable to inspect a boost converter before
use to confirm it is in good working condition and to check for any issues that might impair
functionality or safety. [4]

3
 Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY

3.1 GENERAL BOOST CONVERTER CONFIGURATION

In a boost converter, the output voltage is greater than the input voltage – hence the name
“boost”. A boost converter using a power MOSFET is shown below.

Fig. 3.1.1 Circuit diagram of Boost Converter. [1]

The function of boost converter can be divided into two modes, Mode 1 and Mode 2. Mode 1
begins when transistor M1 is switched on at time t=0. The input current rises and flows through
inductor L and transistor M1.
Mode 2 begins when transistor M1 is switched off at time t=t1. The input current now flows through
L, C, load, and diode D m. The inductor current falls until the next cycle. The energy stored in
inductor L flows through the load.

4
The circuits for the two modes of operation are shown below:

(a)

(b)
Fig. 3.1.2 Circuit operation (a) Mode 1 and (b) Mode 2. [1]

5
The waveforms for the voltages and currents are shown below

Fig. 3.1.3 Waveforms. [1]

6
The voltage-current relation for the inductor L is:

Or

For a constant rectangular pulse:

When the transistor M1 is switched:

Or

And when the transistor is switched off the current is:

Or

Here VD is the voltage drop across the diode Dm, and VTrans is the voltage drop across the transistor
M1.

By equating through delta i, we can solve for Vout:

7
Neglecting the voltage drops across the diode and the transistor:

So it is clear that the output voltage is related directly to the duty cycle. The main challenge when
designing a converter is the sort of inductor to be used. From above equations, it can be seen that
the inductance is inversely proportional to the ripple current. So, to reduce the ripple, a larger
inductor should be used. [5]

3.2 BLOCK DIAGRM

Fig. 3.2.1 shows the basic blocks of building a boost converter circuit:

Magnetic Field

Storage Element

Voltage Switch Switching Output

Element
Source Control Rectifier and
Fig. 3.2.1 Block diagram. [6] Filter
The voltage source provides the input DC voltage to the switch control, and also to the magnetic
field storage element. The block which contains switch control directs the action of the switching
element, whereas the output rectifier and filter deliver an acceptable DC voltage to the output. [6]

8
3.3 SPECIFICATIONS
Engineers working in today’s high tech environment have to deal with a rapidly changing
market of electronic products and equipments. As new technologies are invented, integrated circuits
function faster and are smaller in size and shape. But, many integrated circuits still require a voltage
of 15 volts to function. The DC-DC Switching Boost Converter will take a 5 Volt DC voltage
supply with 10 % tolerance and deliver 15 Volts to the load. The maximum current delivered to
the load will be 0.4 A. The circuit will operate with a minimum efficiency of 94.16%. [7]

3.4 COMPONENT FUNCTIONS

The inductor shown in Fig. 3.1.1 acts as the magnetic field storage element shown in Fig.
3.2.1. It stores energy in its core material. The ideal PWM functions as the switch control and the
transistor acts as the switch element. The diode and the capacitor are used to perform the function of
the output rectifier and filter block.

3.5 COMPONENT CALCULATIONS

3.5.1 LOAD RESISTANCE

Load Resistance =

Assuming Io to be 0.4A

Load Resistance = = 37.5Ω

3.5.2 DUTY CYCLE

Duty Cycle =

= 0.67

9
3.5.3 CAPACITOR

∆V = ESR = 2.622×10-3V

C=

C = 2.034×10-3F

New Ripple Voltage= = 2.424×10-3V

Capacitor Specifications -
Low ESR Tantanum Capacitor
No. - TRSE 22006K050R002
Capacitance - 2.2mF
Maximum O/P Voltage - 50V
Tolerance - ±10%

3.5.4 INDUCTOR

L=

Ripple current ∆Io = 10% of Io

L = 870µH

Inductor Specifications –

Family – 54z
Minimum Quality Factor – 27 at 8MHz
Test Frequency – 8MHz
Tolerance – 10%

10
Lead Style – Axial
Type – Lower Choke
Product Length – 19mm
Diameter – 0.8mm
Technology- Wire Wound
Inductance – 1mH

3.5.5 DIODE
Diode Specifications –
No. - IN5820
Maximum voltage – 30V
Maximum Current – 5A
Schottky Diode
Forward voltage drop at peak current = 0.4V

3.5.6 MOSFET
MOSFET Specifications –
Output Voltage – 30V
Load Current – 5A
RDS = 0.002Ω
F = 50 KHz
N Channel MOSFET. [5]

3.6 LOSS CALCULATION

3.6.1 DIODE LOSS

Diode loss = Vd×Io(1-D)

= 0.07 W

11
3.6.2 SWITCHING LOSS
VGS = VThreshold

E1 =t1

E2 = t2

Psw = (t1+t2) fs

3.6.3 GATE CIRCUIT LOSS

Assuming
Rdriver pull up = 5Ω
Rdriver pull down = 2Ω
Rgate = 1.5Ω

VDD = 10V
When gate signal is rising

I= = 0.31A

t1 = = 168.8ns

t2 = = 22.8ns

So,

Psw = (t1+t2) fs

= 0.3 W
3.6.4 CONDUCTION LOSS
Io2×D×R = 0.21mW

12
3.7 EFFICIENCY

Efficiency =

=
Efficiency= 94.16%

3.8 TRANSFER FUNCTION

State Space Average Model

Switch ON equivalent circuit

Fig. 3.8.1 Switch ON equivalent Circuit.

13
Applying KVL & KCL

= Vin - RON × iL - RL × iL

Vout = io × R

+ =0

And

Vout = Vc + ic × Rc

Vout = Vc

From above,

iin = iL

State equation matrices are given as:

= + Vin

And

Vout =

So, A, B, C, D parameters are

AON =

BON =

14
 CON =

DON =

Now for the circuit

AON =

BON =

CON =

L = Vin – RON × iL – RL × iL – Vout = RD × iL

ic = i L - iR

And

Vout = Vc + ic× Rc

Vout = Vc + iL × R c

Or

Vout = Vc + iL

From above equation

L = Vin – iL – Vc

Also,

ic = i L - iR

15
 C = × iL -

Fig. 3.8.2 Switch OFF equivalent circuit.

State equation matrices are given as-

= + Vin

Vout =

Parameters are

Aoff =

Boff =

16
 Coff =

Doff =

Now adding the weighted average of parameters

Aavg = AON × d + (1 - d) × Aoff

Aavg =

Bavg =

Cavg =

Davg =

Transfer Function =

17
 Chapter 4
RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS
4.1 MATLAB SIMULATION RESULTS:

Given below is a circuit diagram used for MATLAB simulation of boost converter. The purpose of

this circuit is to measure output voltage and current waveform

Fig. 4.1.1 Circuit Diagram of Boost Converter used in MATLAB.

Given below is the output current waveform obtained from MATLAB simulation

Fig.4.1.2 (IO(output current) vs Time) in MATLAB.

18
Given below is the output voltage waveform obtained from MATLAB simulation

Fig. 4.1.3 (VOUT(output voltage) vs Time) in MATLAB.

The frequency of operation is 50 kHz. Fig. 8 shows the output current obtained from simulation,

which is 0.4 A. Fig. 9 shows the output voltage obtained from simulation, which is 15 V. Duty

Cycle is maintained above 50%.

4.2 PSPICE SIMULATION RESULTS:

Given below is a circuit diagram used for PSPICE simulation of boost converter. The purpose of

this circuit is to measure output voltage across the resistor R1

Fig. 4.2.1 Circuit Diagram of Boost Converter used in PSPICE.

19
Given below is the output voltage waveform obtained from PSPICE simulation

Fig. 4.2.2 VOUT(output voltage) vs Time in PSPICE.

The above figure shows that the output voltage across the resistor R1 (37.5 Ω) becomes stable after

sometime, and remains at 15 V.

4.3 OBSERVATIONS:

From the results obtained, it is clearly observed that the boost converter steps up the voltage from 5

to 15 volt in accordance with the parameters derived earlier, fulfilling the desired conditions of

output current being 0.4 A at frequency 50kHz. The efficiency of the boost converter is 94.16%.

20
 Chapter 5

CONCLUSION

All of the specifications stated previously have been met by this boost converter design.
MATLAB and PSPICE simulations using calculated parameters were performed and corresponding
waveforms were obtained. The output voltage across the output capacitor is 15V with a maximum
output ripple of 1.6%. The power efficiency of the circuit exceeds 94 %. However an additional
constraint needs to be put on the load. The load must not exceed 0.75kΩ. This will cause the
efficiency to fall below the specified value of 94.16%. Hardware design of BOOST CONVERTER
was done. It is observed, by varying duty cycle output voltage also changes.

21
 REFERENCES

[1] Muhammad H. Rashid, “Power Electronics, Circuits, Devices, and Applications”, Third
Edition, Pearson Education, Inc., 2004.

[2] Carl Nelson & Jim Williams, “Linear Technology, LT1070 Design Manual”, 1986.

[3] Marty Brown, “Practical Switching Power Supply Design”, New York: Academic Press,
Inc., 1990.

[4] Irving M. Gottlieb, “Power Supplies, Switching Regulators, Inverters, & Converters”, New

York: McGraw-Hill, 1993.

[5] D. M. Mitchell, “DC-DC Switching Regulator Analysis”, New York: McGraw-Hill, 1988.

[6] Anita Soni, “DC-DC Switching Boost Converter”, ILLINOIS College of Engineering, 1999.

[7] G. Seguier, “Power Electronic Converters: DC-DC Conversion”, New York, Springer-

Verlag, Inc., 1993.

22