LECTURE NOTE

LECTURER: ENGR. DR. TOLA O. J COURSE: POWER ELECTRONICS CODE: EEE

513 UNIT: LEVEL: 500
MODULE II:
INTRODUCTION TO DC – DC CONVERTERS
OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE OF DC – DC CONVERTERS

DC-DC converters are essential electronic circuits that play a critical role in modern power
management systems. Their primary function is to convert the voltage of a direct current (DC)
source from one level to another, ensuring stable and efficient power delivery to various electronic
devices and systems. In applications where input voltage levels can fluctuate due to factors such
as battery discharging over time or changes in load conditions, DC-DC converters maintain a
constant output voltage, providing reliable power to the system's components. One significant
advantage of DC-DC converters is their superior power conversion efficiency. By using switching
techniques, they can minimize power losses associated with resistive elements, such as
transformers or linear regulators, which typically generate heat and waste energy. This results in
better overall efficiency and prolonged battery life in portable devices. Moreover, DC-DC
converters offer the flexibility to step up or down voltage levels, allowing for efficient power
distribution management in electronic systems. They can also provide galvanic isolation,
separating the input and output grounds to reduce the risk of ground loops and safeguard sensitive
components from voltage spikes and noise.

Another noteworthy feature of DC-DC converters is their precise voltage regulation. Some
converters can maintain output voltage accuracy within a narrow range, typically with less than a
1% deviation. This level of precision is vital for ensuring the proper operation of electronic devices
and systems that require stable power supplies.

DC-DC converters come in various topologies and configurations, catering to a broad range of
applications and power requirements. They can be designed as standalone devices, integrated into
larger power management systems, or embedded into individual components, such as
microprocessors or microcontrollers.

Types of DC-DC Converters

There are several types of DC-DC converters, each with unique circuit topologies and
characteristics. These topologies can be broadly categorized into two groups: non-isolated and
isolated converters. Non-isolated converters share a common ground between input and output,
while isolated converters provide galvanic isolation between input and output grounds. In this
discussion, we will focus on non-isolated converters, which are further classified into several
common topologies:

• Buck Converter (Step-Down Converter): This steps down the input voltage to a lower
output voltage while increasing the output current. It employs a series of switches, an
inductor, and a capacitor to regulate the output voltage by adjusting the duty cycle of the
switches. Buck converters are commonly used in applications that require a lower voltage

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level than the input supply, such as battery-powered devices and voltage regulation in
computer systems.
• Boost Converter (Step-Up Converter): This step up the input voltage to a higher output
voltage while decreasing the output current. It utilizes switches, an inductor, and a
capacitor to manage energy transfer, resulting in an increased output voltage. Boost
converters are commonly used in applications requiring a higher output voltage than the
input supply, such as power LED drivers or voltage boosting for portable devices.
• Buck-Boost Converter: This is a versatile topology that can step up or step down the input
voltage, depending on the duty cycle of the switches. This topology combines elements of
both buck and boost converters, making it suitable for applications with varying input
voltages or when both step-up and step-down conversions are needed. Buck-boost
converters are used in applications such as solar power systems and battery-powered
devices with fluctuating voltage levels. Each DC-DC converter topology has its unique
advantages, disadvantages, and trade-offs. The selection of the appropriate converter type
for a specific application depends on the specific requirements, such as input and output
voltage levels, efficiency, load regulation, and size constraints. Familiarity with the various
types of DC-DC converters is critical for engineers and designers working with power
electronics, as it helps them choose the most appropriate topology for their application.

CLASSIFICATION OF DC - DC CONVERTER (CHOPPER)

Choppers are the switching converters, which convert unregulated DC input voltage
into a controlled DC output at a desired voltage with little power loss.
DC choppers can be classified as:
• According to the input/output voltage levels
1. Step-down chopper: The output voltage is less than the input voltage,
that is, V0 < Vs.
2. Step-up chopper: The output voltage is greater than the input voltage,
that is, V0 > Vs.
• According to the directions of output voltage and current
1. Class A (type A) chopper
2. Class B (type B) chopper
3. Class C (type C) chopper
4. Class D (type D) chopper

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5. Class E (type E) chopper

The voltage and current directions for above classes are shown in Figure1.
• According to circuit operation
1. One-quadrant chopper: The output voltage and current both are positive
(Class A and Class B).
2. Two-quadrant chopper: The output voltage is positive and current can
be positive or negative (Class C), or the output current is positive, and the
voltage can be positive or negative (Class D).
3. Four-quadrant chopper: The output voltage and current both can be
positive or negative (Class E).

Buck Converter
The buck converter is a step-down converter and produces a lower average output
voltage than the DC input voltage.

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Figure 1: Bock converter configuration

Principle of Buck converter operation
When the switch S1 is closed for time duration T1, the input voltage Vin appears
across the load. For time duration T2 is switch S1 remain open and the voltage across
the load is zero.

Figure 2: Operation

Figure 3: Voltage across the load

The average output voltage is given by

1  on  T
Ton T T
1
Vo = 0 vo (t ) dt = 
T  0 Vin dt +  0 dt  = on Vin = fTonVin = DVin
T Ton  T

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The average load current is given by

Vo DVin
Io = =
R R

Where
T is the chopping period, D=T1/T is the duty cycle, f is the chopping frequency
Assumed the converter is lossless, the input power will be equal to the output power.
Hence, the input power is given by
DT DT
1 1 v2 Vin2
Pin =
T 
0
vidt =
T 
0
R
dt = D
R

The effective resistance given by

Vin R
Reff = =
I oavg D

The duty cycle can be varied from 0 to 1 by varying T1, T or f. thus, the output
voltage can be varied from 0 to Vin by controlling D and eventually the power flow
can be controlled.
The Buck Converter with RLE load
The two modes in steady state operations are:
Mode 1 operation
In this mode the switch S1 is turned on and the diode D1 is reversed biased, the
current flows through the load. the time domain circuit is shown in figure 4.

Figure 4: Time domain circuit of mode 1 Buck converter.

E Vin
Ri1 ( s) + sLi1 ( s) + = + LI 01
s s

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Where
I01 is the initial value of the current and
I 01 = I1

And the current is

i1 ( s) =
(Vin − E ) + LI1
s ( R + sL ) R + sL

In time domain the solution is

Vin − E
i1 (t ) = I1e
− tR
L
+
R
( − tR
1− e L )
The mode 1 is valid for the time duration
0  t  Ton  0  t  DT

Mode 2 operation
In this mode the switch S1 is turned off and the diode D1 is forward biased. The time
domain circuit is shown in figure 5

Figure 5: time domain circuit of buck converter in mode 2

E
Ri2 ( s) + sLi2 ( s) + = LI 02
s

Where I02 is the initial value of load current.

The current at the end of mode 1 is equal to current at the beginning of mode 2.
I 02 = I 2

Hence, the load current is

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i2 (t ) = I 2e
− tR
L
−
E
R
( − tR
1− e L )
Buck converter with resistive load

Figure 6: Buck converter with resistive load

Figure 7: Voltage and current waveform

Continuous and Discontinuous Conduction Modes
In buck converters, the flow of current through the inductor can be described by two
distinct conduction modes: continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous
conduction mode (DCM). Understanding these modes is essential for properly
designing and analyzing the converter.
Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM): In this mode, the current flowing through
the inductor never drops to zero during the entire switching cycle. This mode ensures

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that the inductor continuously stores and releases energy throughout the cycle, while
the output voltage is primarily determined by the high-side switch duty cycle and
input voltage. Although CCM is often preferred because it offers lower output
voltage ripple, smaller filter components, and reduced stress on switches, it requires
more complex control schemes to maintain stability under varying load conditions.
Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM): In DCM, the current through the inductor
falls to zero for a portion of the switching cycle when the load current is lower than
the average inductor current. This results in the inductor fully discharging its stored
energy before the next cycle begins, leading to higher output voltage ripple and
increased EMI due to abrupt changes in current flow. However, DCM offers benefits
such as improved light-load efficiency, simpler control schemes, and reduced
reverse-recovery losses in the low-side diode.
Choosing between CCM and DCM: The choice of conduction mode depends on the
specific application requirements, such as load current range, output voltage ripple
tolerance, and efficiency targets. Designers must carefully consider these factors and
select the appropriate conduction mode for their buck converter design.
In some cases, a converter may operate in CCM under heavy-load conditions and
transition to DCM under light-load conditions. This behavior, known as boundary
conduction mode (BCM) or critical conduction mode (CrCM), can benefit both
conduction modes, such as high efficiency across a wide load range and reduced
component stress. However, it also introduces additional design challenges and may
require more complex control schemes to ensure stable operation.
Design Consideration and Calculations
Continuous Current Conduction Operation
Under continuous current conduction operation, the inductor current iL is greater
than zero at all times in a cycle except at the instant of turn on of the active switch,
ie when iL can be greater or equal to zero.
The peak to peak ripple current iL is given as
V0 (1 − D) Vs D(1 − D)
iL = I L 2 − I L1 = =
fLm fLm

Vs 1 1
Where = , f = is the switching frequency of the converter
V0 D T

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1
Maximum value of iL occurs at D =
2
V0 V
iL max = = s
2 fLm 4 fLm

The ripple factor RFiL of the inductor is the ratio of the inductor peaks ripple current
 iL
2
to the inductor average current.

V0 (1 − D) Vs D(1 − D)
I L 0 .RFiL = =
2 fLm I 0 2 fLm I 0

The minimum and the maximum instantaneous inductor current iL1 and iL2 are
iL
I L1 = I 0 −
2
iL
I L2 = I0 +
2

The condition for continuous current mode is that the minimum inductor current
must be greater than or equal to zero.
I L1  0

This implies
V0 (1 − D) R0 (1 − D)
1 =
2 fLm I 0 2 fLm

V0
Where R0 =
I0

R0 (1 − D)
Lm.min =
2f

The peak ripple to ripple input filter converter voltage

I s (1 − D) I 0 D(1 − D)
VCi = =
fCi fCi

1
Maximum value of VC occurs at D =
i
2

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I0
VCi max =
4 fCi

The ripple factor RFvCi of the converter input voltage Vs is the ratio of the capacitor
Ci peak ripple voltage to the voltage Vs
I 0 D(1 − D) D 2 (1 − D)
RFCi = =
2 fCiVs 2 fCi R0

Peak to peak ripple voltage VC 0 of the output filter capacitor C0

(I L2 − I0 ) T
VC 0 =
2C0 2

That is
iLT iL V (1 − D) Vs D(1 − D)
VC 0 = = = 02 =
8C0 8 fC0 8 f LmC0 8 f 2 LmC0

1
The maximum value of VC 0 occur at D =
2
V0
VC 0max =
16 f 2 LmC0

The ripple factor RFVC 0

(1 − D)
RFVC 0 =
16 f 2 LmC0

1
RFVC 0 is maximum at D =
2

Discontinuous Current Conduction Operation

In discontinuous current mode of operation, the steady state inductor current
decreases from its maximum value to zero at t = tx where DT  tx  T thus causing
Dm to be off for the rest of the cycle.
V0 (1 − D) R0 (1 − D)
1 =
2 fLm I 0 2 fLm

The output voltage

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D 2 RVs 8 fL
V0 = [−1 + (1 + 2 m )]
4 fLm D R

Example
The buck DC to DC converter shown below operates at a switching frequency of
5kHz and has a DC input voltage of 230V and load resistance of 24 ohm. The main
inductance is 600micro henry and the filter capacitor across the load is large enough
to make the load voltage ripple free. Determine the converter minimum and
maximum inductor current and the load voltage and current of the converter
operating duty cycle of (a) 0.8 (b) 0.5.

Solution
The main minimum inductor for
R(1 − D) 24(1 − 0.8)
Lmain.min = = = 480 H
2f 2  5000

Since the given main inductance Lm = 600 H is greater than the Lmain.min = 480 H , the
converter operate at continuous current mode.
The load voltage
V0 = DVs = 0.8  230 = 184V

The load current

V0 184
I0 = = = 7.6667 A
R 24

The minimum inductor current is

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iL V (1 − D) 184(1 − 0.8)

I L1 = I 0 − = I0 − 0 = 7.6667 −
2 2 fLm 2  5000  600 10−6

= 1.5333A

The maximum inductor current

iL V (1 − D) 184(1 − 0.8)
I L2 = I0 + = I0 + 0 = 7.6667 +
2 2 fLm 2  5000  600 10−6

= 13.8A

(b) for D=0.5

R(1 − D) 24(1 − 0.5)
Lmain.min = = = 1200 H
2f 2  5000

Since the given main inductance Lm = 600 H is less than the Lmain.min = 1200 H , the
converter operate at discontinuous current mode.
The load voltage is
D 2 RVs 8 fL
V0 = [−1 + (1 + 2 m )] = 142.1478V
4 fLm D R

The load current

V0 142.1478
I0 = = = 5.9228 A
R 24

The minimum and maximum inductor current are

I L1=0

(Vs − V0 ) D (230 − 142.1478)0.5

I L 2 = iL = =
fLm 5000  600 10−6

= 14.6420A

The duration of current conduction per cycle

DTVs 0.5  230
tx = = = 161.8 s
V0 5000 142.1478

Applications and Examples

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Buck converters play a vital role in numerous applications across various industries
thanks to their efficient voltage conversion, compact size, and adaptability. In this
section, we will discuss some common applications of buck converters and provide
examples that demonstrate their functionality and significance.
Power supplies: Regulated power supplies are one of the most common applications
for buck converters. In standalone and integrated power supply designs, including
AC-DC adapters, battery chargers, and DC power distribution systems, they are
used. To step down the input voltage from the mains to a lower voltage adequate for
charging the laptop's battery, for instance, a laptop power adapter often uses a buck
converter.
Telecommunications: Buck converters are employed in telecommunications
systems to produce steady, low-noise voltage rails for delicate components including
radio frequency (RF) circuits, microcontrollers, and digital signal processors
(DSPs). They are capable of converting a higher voltage input—like a 48V telecom
bus—to the individual subsystems' required lower voltages with efficiency.
Automotive electronics: Modern automobiles feature a variety of electrical
components that need accurate voltage management. Applications for buck
converters include power management for infotainment systems, engine control
modules (ECMs), and LED headlamp drivers. To provide continuous brightness and
long life, an automotive LED headlight driver, for instance, may utilize a buck
converter to keep a steady current across the LEDs.
Renewable energy systems: Buck converters are used in solar and wind energy
systems to control the output voltage of energy-harvesting equipment. The power
conversion efficiency of solar panels or wind turbines can be optimized using
maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, which can considerably
enhance the overall performance of the renewable energy system.
Portable and battery-powered devices: Buck converters are frequently used in
mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and wearable electronics, to
effectively manage the power consumption of numerous components. By stepping
down the battery voltage to the levels needed for various subsystems, they can
increase battery life and enhance device performance.

Boost Converter

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Introduction and Principle of Operation

Boost converters are a type of DC-DC switching converter that efficiently increase
(step-up) the input voltage to a higher output voltage. By storing energy in an
inductor during the switch-on phase and releasing it to the load during the switch-
off phase, this voltage conversion is made possible. Power electronics applications
requiring a greater output voltage than the input source, in particular, depend on
boost converters.

The circuit diagram of a Boost converter is shown in Figure 8. When the switch S1
is closed for time duration t1, the inductor current rises and the energy is stored in
the inductor. If the switch S1 is opened for time duration t2, the energy stored in the
inductor is transfer to the load via the diode D1 and the inductor current falls.
The waveform of the inductor current is shown in Figure 9.

Figure 8: Boost Converter configuration

Figure 9: Inductor current waveform

The basic principle of operation for a boost converter can be understood through the following two
stages:

When the switch S1 is turned on, the voltage across the inductor is

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di
VL = L
dt

The peak to peak ripple current in the inductor is given by

Vs
I L = T1
L

When the switch S1 opens, the inductor current must continue to flow. This forces the diode D to
become forward-biased, and the inductor releases its stored energy to the load (R) and the output
capacitor (C). During this period, the voltage across the inductor (VL) is equal to the difference
between the output voltage (Vout) and the input voltage (Vin). But Vin is approximate zero The
inductor current decreases linearly as the energy is transferred to the load, and the equation for the
inductor current becomes:

I L =
(Vo )  T2
L

where T2 is the duration of the switch-off period.

By equating the inductor current equations for both stages and rearranging the terms, we can derive
the voltage conversion relationship for the boost converter:

Vs (V )  T2
T1 = o
L L

Vs = Vo (1 − D )

The average output voltage is

1
V0 = Vs
1− D

From the above equation, the following observations can be made:

The voltage across the load can be stepped up by varying the duty ratio D
The minimum output voltage is Vs and is obtained when D=0
The converter cannot be switched on continuously such that D=1. For values of D
tending to unity, the output becomes very sensitive to changes in D as shown in
Figure 10

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Figure 10: Output voltage vs Duty ratio for Boost converter

Boost Converter with Resistive Load and EMF Source.
A boost converter with resist load is shown in Figure 11. The two modes of
operations are:

Figure 11: Boost converter with resistive load

Mode 1: This mode is valid for the time duration
0  t  DT

Where D is the duty ratio and T is the switching period.

The model 1 ends at t=DT
In this mode the switch S1 is closed and the equivalent circuit is shown in Figure
12. The current rises through the inductor L and switch S1. The current in this
mode is given by
di
Vs = L i1
dt

Since the time instants involved are very small, the term dt  t . Hence, the solution
of the above equation is

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Vs
i1 (t ) = t + I1
L

Where I1 is the initial value of the current. Assuming the current at the end of mode
1(t=DT) to be I2(ti(t=DT)=I2
The above equation can be expressed as
Vs
I2 = DT + I1
L

Figure 12: Configuration of boost converter in mode 1

Mode 2

Figure 13: Configuration of boost converter in mode 2

In the mode of operation, the time duration is DT<=t<=T
In this mode, S1 is open and the inductor current flow through the RL load. The
voltage equation in this mode is given as
di2
Vs = Ri2 + L +E
dt

for initial current I2, the solution is

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Vs − E  − t 
R R
− t
i2 (t ) =   1 − e L
+
 2 I e L
L  

Applications and Examples

Boost converters are widely used in various applications due to their ability to step
up the input voltage. This section will discuss some common applications and
examples of boost converters in real-world scenarios.
Power Supplies: Boost converters are utilized in power supplies to produce a stable,
higher output voltage from a lower input voltage source, making them useful for
portable devices and battery-operated systems where input voltage may vary due to
battery discharge or other factors. Examples include laptop chargers, USB power
adapters, and portable power banks.
LED Lighting: In LED lighting systems, boost converters are used to maintain a
constant current to the LED string, ensuring consistent brightness even when the
input voltage fluctuates. This is particularly relevant in automotive applications,
where the vehicle's electrical system voltage can vary, and the boost converter
ensures stable LED illumination.
Solar Power Systems: Boost converters play a critical role in solar power systems,
particularly in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers. The converter
adjusts its output voltage to extract the maximum power from the solar panels,
stepping up the panel voltage to charge batteries or supply power to the electrical
grid.
Electric Vehicles: Boost converters are used in electric vehicles to increase the
voltage from the battery pack to a higher voltage level required for various electrical
components such as the traction motor, air conditioning system, or power steering.
This enables efficient power delivery and optimal vehicle performance.
Telecommunications: Boost converters are employed in telecommunications
applications to produce stable, higher output voltages from lower input voltages,
ensuring the reliable operation of radio frequency (RF) transmitters, base stations,
and other communication equipment.
Sensor Systems: Boost converters are commonly used in sensor systems to provide
a stable voltage supply for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and other sensitive

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electronic components. This is especially important in sensor systems operating in

environments with variable input voltage conditions, such as remote monitoring
systems powered by batteries or energy harvesting devices.

Buck – Boost Converter

A buck-boost converter can be obtained by cascade connection of the basic step
down and step up converter.

Figure 14: Buck-Boost Converter

The circuit operation can be divided into two modes: mode 1 and mode 2
During Mode 1, the switch S1 is turned on and the diode D is reversed biased. In
this mode, the input current, which rises flows through inductor L and switch S1.

Figure 15: Buck-boost converter in mode 1

In mode 2, the switch S1 is off and the current which was flowing through the
inductor, would flow through L, C, D and load. In this mode, the energy stored in
the inductor L is transferred to the load and the inductor current falls until the switch
S1 is turned on again in the next cycle.

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Figure 16: Buck-boost converter in mode 2

The waveforms of the steady state voltage and current of buck-boost converter is
shown as:

Figure 17: Voltage and current waveform of buck-boost converter

Where
Vd is the voltage across the diode
id I the current through the diode
iL is the current through the inductor

Buck-Boost Converter continuous mode operation

Since the switching frequency is consider to be very high, it is assumed that the
current through the inductor L rises linearly. Hence, the relation of the voltage and
current in mode 1 is given by
I 2 − I1 I
Vin = L =L
T1 T1

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I
T1 = L
Vin

The inductor current falls linearly from I2 to I1 in mode 2 time T2 and is given by
I
V0 = − L
T2

I
T2 = − L
V0

Where I (= I 2 − I1 ) in mode 1 and mode 2 is the peak to peak ripple current through
the inductor L.
Therefore, the relationship between the input and output voltage is given by
VinT1 VT
I = =− 0 2
L L

The relation between the on and off time of switch S1 and the total time duration is
T1 = DT

T2 = (1 − D)T

Substituting T1 and T2 the expression for output voltage is

Vin D
V0 = −
1− D

If the converter is assumed to be lossless, then

Vin Iin = −V0 I 0

Vin D
Vin Iin = − I0
1− D
I0 D
Iin =
1− D

Example

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Example1: for a type A chopper, DC input voltage is 220V, load resistance is

20 ohm. Take a voltage drop of 1.5V across chopper when it is on. For a duty
cycle of 0.5, determine:
(a) Average and RMS values of output voltage and
(b)Chopper efficiency

Example 2. Calculate the pulse width of a step-up chopper if it has input voltage of
230V, output voltage of 690V, non-conducting time of the thyristor-chopper is 100
micro second.

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In the case where the pulse width is halved for constant frequency operation. Find
the new output voltage

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Applications and Examples

Buck-boost converters are versatile power conversion devices that find use in a wide
range of applications, as they can step up or step down input voltages to meet specific
output requirements. This section explores some typical applications and examples
of buck-boost converters.
1. Portable electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, and medical equipment
use batteries that can discharge. Buck-boost converters ensure stable output voltage
for optimal performance even when the battery voltage falls below the desired level.
2. Energy harvesting systems, such as solar panels and thermoelectric
generators, have variable output voltages due to environmental conditions. Buck-
boost converters regulate these voltages, providing a stable output for downstream
loads or battery charging.
3. Automotive electronics have different voltage requirements for various
systems, which buck-boost converters can provide by maintaining stable power
supplies. This ensures reliable performance, even with varying input voltages due to
fluctuations in the vehicle's electrical system or battery voltage.
4. Industrial and telecommunications equipment require stable power supplies
with tight voltage regulations for proper operation. Buck-boost converters can
maintain precise output voltages, even in the presence of input voltage variations
caused by line disturbances or load changes.
5. Buck-boost converters regulate current and voltage in LED lighting systems,
ensuring consistent brightness and extending LED lifespan. These converters can
accommodate a wide range of input voltages from different power sources, including
batteries, AC-DC adapters, and renewable energy systems.

POWER ELECTRONICS AND DRIVES 2023/2024 SESSION ENGR. DR. TOLA O. J.

 LECTURE NOTE

Multiply Quadrant Operation of Dc-DC Converter

A DC motor can run in forward running or reverse running. During the forward starting process
its armature voltage and armature current are both positive. We usually call this forward motoring
operation or quadrant I operation. During the forward braking process its armature voltage is still
positive and its armature current is negative. This state is called the regenerating operation or
quadrant II operation. Analogously, during the reverse starting process the DC motor armature
voltage and current are both negative. This reverse motoring operation is called the quadrant III
operation. During reverse braking process its armature voltage is still negative and its armature
current is positive. This state is called the reverse regenerating operation or quadrant IV operation.

Four quadrant operation

Chopper convert fixed DC voltage into various other voltages. The corresponding chopper is
usually named according to its quadrant operation chopper.
First Quadrant Chopper

The first quadrant chopper is called Type A chopper. The circuit and the corresponding waveform are
shown.

POWER ELECTRONICS AND DRIVES 2023/2024 SESSION ENGR. DR. TOLA O. J.

 LECTURE NOTE

Figure () a circuit b voltage waveform

Assuming all parts are ideal, the output voltage can be calculated by the formula
ton
V0 = Vin = DVin
T
ton
Where D =
T
The second quadrant chopper (Type B chopper)
The output voltage can be calculated by the formula:
toff
V0 = Vin = (1 − D)Vin
T

POWER ELECTRONICS AND DRIVES 2023/2024 SESSION ENGR. DR. TOLA O. J.

 LECTURE NOTE

The third quadrant chopper

The output voltage is the absolute value can be calculated by
ton
Von = Vin = DVin
T

POWER ELECTRONICS AND DRIVES 2023/2024 SESSION ENGR. DR. TOLA O. J.

 LECTURE NOTE

The fourth quadrant chopper

The output voltage can be calculated by the formula:
toff
V0 = Vin = (1 − D)Vin
T

POWER ELECTRONICS AND DRIVES 2023/2024 SESSION ENGR. DR. TOLA O. J.

 LECTURE NOTE

The first and second quadrant chopper

Dual quadrant operation is usually requested in a system with two voltage sources V1 and V2.
Assume that the condition V1> V2, and the inductor L is an ideal component. During quadrant I
operation s1 and d2 work and s2 and d1 are idle. Vice versa during quadrant II operation.
The two-voltage source can be calculated by the formula

 DV QI
V2 =  1
(1 − D)V1 Q II

Third and fourth quadrant chopper

POWER ELECTRONICS AND DRIVES 2023/2024 SESSION ENGR. DR. TOLA O. J.

 LECTURE NOTE

The two-voltage source can be calculated by the formula

 DV Q III
V2 =  1
(1 − D)V1 Q IV

The Four quadrant chopper

The four-quadrant chopper is shown below. The input voltage is positive, output voltage can be
either positive or negative.
The output voltage can be calculated by the formula

 DV1 QI
(1 − D)V
 QII
V2 =  1

− DV1 QIII
−(1 − D)V1 QIV

POWER ELECTRONICS AND DRIVES 2023/2024 SESSION ENGR. DR. TOLA O. J.