| Conventional control of switching power conversion is based on a linear model of the system, which limits its scope and performance. This thesis addresses a family of control and operation issues that arise from the nonlinear nature of the switching power conversion. The focus is on dc to dc power converters with a small number of states. Nonlinear noise analysis of conventional feedback has been performed to evaluate this important aspect of converter performance. Alternative schemes are developed that reduce noise susceptibility, reduce effects of source and load disturbance, and improve system operation. A nonlinear control scheme called sensorless current mode (SCM) control has been developed that emulates current mode control without current sensing. SCM has very significant advantages in dynamic range and noise susceptibility. Optimal control approaches to switching power conversion has been explored. Optimization of a nonmonotonic tuning problem has also been explored. A generalized tuning scheme has been developed and implemented for practical converters with excellent results. |
