학술논문

A Novel, Software-Defined Control Method Using Sparsely Activated Microcontroller for Low-Power, Multiple-Input, Single-Inductor, Multiple-Output DC–DC Converters to Increase Efficiency
Document Type
Periodical
Source
IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics IEEE Trans. Ind. Electron. Industrial Electronics, IEEE Transactions on. 70(3):2959-2970 Mar, 2023
Subject
Power, Energy and Industry Applications
Signal Processing and Analysis
Communication, Networking and Broadcast Technologies
Microcontrollers
Voltage control
Timing
Switches
Power demand
Switching converters
Inductors
Multiple-input single-inductor multiple-outputs (MISIMO) dc–dc converter
time-multiplexing control
variable-frequency pulsewidth modulation (PWM)
zero-current switching (ZCS)
Language
ISSN
0278-0046
1557-9948
Abstract
This article proposes a novel control for the multiple-input, single-inductor, multiple-output dc–dc converters. It is digitally and discretely implemented, which can have an outstanding performance in low-power applications so that at the power of 10 mW, it has an efficiency of 92.5%. Conventionally, in this power range, an attempt is made to take advantage of an analog design that is flexible. Thus, a fully programmable (software designed) converter with digital design using a microcontroller is in great demand. This converter design basis is to deploy the microcontroller's central processing unit (CPU) as little as possible. Also, it only turns on the CPU when necessary to be employed in low-power, portable systems, e.g., energy-harvesting technologies. Therefore, construction costs are significantly reduced. Depending on the energy level of the inputs, they can simultaneously be utilized to charge the outputs. This article uses stability analysis, time-multiplexing control method, and variable-frequency pulsewidth modulation in the proposed control design. Each output can be charged with different frequencies according to its load, and the maximum switching frequency is equal to 10 kHz. Also, the proposed technique for zero-current switching has been digitally implemented; it can be utilized to determine the optimal value of the inductor discharge duty cycle based on the inductor's left-side voltage. Comparative simulations and experimental results reveal the superiority and practicality of the proposed approach.