SID: 2253483

SID: 2253483

Power Conversion Systems (2023

MOD003298 TRI2 F01CHE)

ASSIGNMENT

Simulation of a buck converter using

Simulink™ and Simscape™.
 SID: 2253483

Simulation of a buck converter using Simulink™ and Simscape™.

Buck Converters play a crucial role in power conversion systems by efficiently decreasing a
greater DC input voltage to a lower output voltage via pulse width modulation and energy
storage components (Erickson and Maksimović, 2001). Their importance extends to a diverse
range of uses, including improving the mobility of electronic devices and optimising
renewable energy systems, by assuring effective power management (Mohan et al., 2003). A
Buck Converter can accurately alter its output voltage by changing its control signal duty
cycle, offering a reliable power supply for varied electronic equipment. This research
explores theoretical designs implemented in practical simulation scenarios using using
Simulink™ and SimScape™ to show real-world performance nuances.
In this study, the performance parameters of the Buck Converter were carefully selected to
demonstrate a diverse range of applications. Following parameters are chosen for the
simulation:

Parameter Value
Input voltage (Vin) 24V
Output voltage (Vout) 12V
Output current (Iout) 150mA=0.15A
Output voltage ripple (ΔVout) 100mV
Inductor current ripple (ΔIL) 0.45mV
The inductance (L) 1.33mH
Capatcitance (C) 11.2 μF
Duty cycle 50%
Frequency 50kHz
Resistance 80 Ω
So now using these parameters a buck converter design and simulation can be built in
MATLAB Simulink™ and SimScape™ app. Let us make a circuit using SPDT switch. The
circuit design of the converter is shown in Figure 1.
Selections of components and parameters are following according to suggestions:

Input voltage (Vin) - the selection of 24V as the input voltage is based on its widespread use
in industrial and consumer electronics systems, where 24V DC sources are commonly used.

Output voltage (Vout) – 12V, this is a frequent requirement in power supply units for
electronic equipment. This voltage level is specifically significant for the purpose of charging
and operating 12V batteries or systems, demonstrating the converter's practical utilisation in
real-life situations.

Output current (Io) - 150mA, serving as a realistic load for low-power applications and
evaluating the stability of the converter.
Output voltage ripple (ΔVout) - 100mV ripple measures the design's ability to minimise
fluctuations, which is crucial for delicate devices.
 SID: 2253483

Figure 1

To get a result let’s do some calculations of components such as inductor, capacitor, resistor,
and duty cycle.

Duty Cycle (D) is calculated using the formula:

𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 24𝑉
𝐷= = = 0.5 (50%).
𝑉𝑖𝑛 12𝑉

The inductance (L) is selected to restrict the fluctuating current passing through the inductor
and calculated by the formula:
𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 ∙(1−𝐷) 12𝑉×(1−0.5)
𝐿= = 100𝑘𝐻𝑧×45𝑚𝐴 ≈ 1.33𝑚𝐻 (Ejury, 2013).
𝑓∙∆𝐼𝐿

Capatcitance (C) limits output ripple and calculated by following way:

𝛥𝐼 0.45𝑚𝐴
C=8∙𝑓∙∆𝑉𝐿 = ≈ 1.12 × 10−5 𝐹 𝑜𝑟 11.2 𝜇𝐹.
𝑜𝑢𝑡 8×50𝑘𝐻𝑧×100𝑚𝑉

Resistance (R) is calculated by the formula:

𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡 12
R= = 0.15 = 80Ω
𝐼𝑜𝑢𝑡

Inductor current ripple (ΔIL) is estimated to 30% of Io which is equivalent to

150mA×0.3=45mA (Hauke, 2015).

When we run it, we will get the result in Figure 1 and its waveform in Figure 1 (a and b) in
appendices page.
 SID: 2253483

The result is following:

Output voltage – 11.68V.

Now we change the SPDT switch to MOSFET and design it in Simulink™. The circuit
design is following:

Figure 2

And the output result is 11.59V. Its waveform is given in appendices page.

Although it seems SPDT switch’s result is more accurate and closer to the desired result than
MOSFET’s one, it has been experienced that MOSFET is faster than SPDT switch while
operating. Especially, when longer time to stop and high frequency have been applied SPDT
switch slowed down, but MOSFET did not.
In conclusion, I have got following outcomes: if you require a basic, manual control or the
ability to choose between two options without automation, an SPDT switch may be the best
choice due to its simplicity, dependability, and lack of power usage when in a stable
condition. If you need to switch quickly, have electronic control, automate processes, or
efficiently handle power, a MOSFET is a preferable option. It provides accelerated switching,
enhanced efficiency, and the capability to be regulated by electrical circuits.

I learnt how components operate in practice by doing simulation. It has been great experience
to work with MATLAB Simulink. Because, I have never used MATLAB before. Also, I
learnt how to implement theoretical calculations to real-life projects.
 SID: 2253483

References:
Ejury J., (2013) Buck Converter Design. Place of publication: Infineon Technologies North
America (IFNA) Corp, Available at:
https://www.mouser.com/pdfdocs/buckconverterdesignnote.pdf (Accessed: 25 March 2024).

Erickson, R. W., & Maksimović, D. (2001). Fundamentals of Power Electronics.

https://doi.org/10.1007/b100747

Hauke B., (2015) Basic Calculation of a Buck Converter's Power Stage. Place of publication:
Texas Instruments, Available at:
https://www.ti.com/lit/an/slva477b/slva477b.pdf?ts=1711433578509&ref_url=https%253A%
252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F (Accessed: 22 March 2024).

Mohan, N., Undeland, T. M., & Robbins, W. P. (2003) Power Electronics. Place of
publication: JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.
 SID: 2253483

Appendices

a) b)

c)

Figure 1 a) and b) view of waveform via SPDT in zoomed in c) a part of waveform in

zoomed out
 SID: 2253483

a) b)

Figure 2 a) view of waveform via MOSFET in zoomed in b) a view of waveform in zoomed

out.