Homework Assignment #3
Graphical construction techniques
Unit 8.2
Converter Control ECEA 5702
Introduction to Power Electronics
University of Colorado, Boulder
Prof. Robert Erickson
Bode diagrams
Six-cycle semilog paper can be downloaded from the course site. It is suggested that you download
and print this paper, and then construct the asymptotes for this assignment using this paper.
A certain buck–boost converter contains an input filter, to filter the pulsating current at the power
input port of the converter. The small-signal ac model of this converter is illustrated in Fig. 1.
Vg – V d(s)
Lf L
1:D D' : 1
+
–
Rf
+ Zout(s)
vg(s) – Cf I d(s) I d(s) C R
Cb
Figure 1 Small-signal model of a buck–boost converter with input filter.
The element values are variable names are specified below.
• D = 0.6; variable name: D
• L f = 150µH; variable name: L f
• R = 6Ω; variable name: R
• C f = 16µF; variable name: C f
• C = 0.33µF; variable name: C
• Cb = 2200µF; variable name: C b
• L = 25µH; variable name: L
• R f = 1Ω; variable name: R f
• Angular frequency ω variable name: w
Construct the Bode plot for the magnitude of the output impedance k Zout (s) k. Use the graphi-
cal construction method discussed in the course lectures. Use the given numerical values to find
approximate analytical expressions for each corner frequency and asymptote. Find approximate
analytical expressions for each corner frequency and asymptote.
When the graphical construction approach discussed in lecture is employed, one finds that the
magnitude Bode plot of k Zout (s) k contains five asymptotes, with four corner frequencies at the in-
tersections between these asymptotes. The analytical expressions defining these asymptotes each
depend on only one circuit element value, and possibly also on ω and D. Enter analytical ex-
pressions for each of these, starting with the asymptote at the lowest frequency (A1 ), followed by
the lowest corner frequency (angular frequency ω1 ), etc., and ending with the highest-frequency
asymptote (A5 ).
1. Enter an analytical expression for the lowest-frequency asymptote A1 .
2. Enter an analytical expression for the corner frequency ω1 that lies at the intersection of asymp-
totes A1 and A2 .
3. Enter an analytical expression for the asymptote A2 .
4. Enter an analytical expression for the corner frequency ω2 that lies at the intersection of asymp-
totes A2 and A3 .
5. Enter an analytical expression for the asymptote A3 .
6. Enter an analytical expression for the corner frequency ω3 that lies at the intersection of asymp-
totes A3 and A4 .
7. Enter an analytical expression for the asymptote A4 .
8. Enter an analytical expression for the corner frequency ω4 that lies at the intersection of asymp-
totes A4 and A5 .
9. Enter an analytical expression for the high-frequency asymptote A5 .
Part 2
The purpose of these remaining problems is to illustrate how the Bode plot of a complex
circuit can sometimes be constructed manually, without need to resort to simulation. This can
provide great physical insight into how the behavior of the circuit depends on some of the
circuit elements. Equally important, it can provide insight into which elements do not affect
the behavior, guiding the engineer to make appropriate approximations.
The circuit shown in Fig. 2 is a low-pass filter circuit. Most of the component parasitic ele-
ments such as capacitor ESR (equivalent series resistance) and ESL (equivalent series induc-
tance) are included in the circuit model.
As discussed in lecture, use semilog paper or reactance paper to sketch the impedances of
each circuit element, and then combine as appropriate to find the approximate magnitude
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L3 L7
1.5 mH 1 µH
R2 1 1 L2 30 µH R6 10 1 L6 50 µH
L1 R9
22 µH L4 1 mH R5 L8 100 µH 11
0.2 1
vin + C1 Zout
– C4 10 µF C8 1 µF C9
220 µF C5
220 µF 10 µF
R1
R4 5 1 R8 5 1
0.1 1
Figure 2 Low-pass filter schematic, extra credit problem.
asymptotes of the output impedance Zout Bode plot. Use the given numerical values to justify
approximations, but then write the approximate analytical expression for the result.
Over the range 10 Hz to 1 MHz, there are six asymptotes, each dominated by one of the circuit
elements shown. In the questions below, enter the equation of the approximate magnitude
asymptote for each of these, in order from low frequency (asymptote 1) to high frequency
(asymptote 6). Use the following variable names:
• Angular frequency (ω): w
• Element value such as L1 : L 1 etc.
So, for example, the equation of the asymptote of the inductor L 1 impedance should be en-
tered as w*L 1. Other examples include 1/(w*C 1) and R 1. In this machine-gradable assign-
ment, the answer taken as correct in each case is the impedance of the single circuit element
that has the largest impact on Zout over the given frequency range.
10. Enter the equation of the lowest-frequency asymptote (asymptote 1) of Zout .
11. Enter the equation of the next-lowest-frequency asymptote (asymptote 2) of Zout .
12. Enter the equation of the next asymptote (asymptote 3) of Zout .
13. Enter the equation of the next asymptote (asymptote 4) of Zout .
14. Enter the equation of the next asymptote (asymptote 5) of Zout .
15. Enter the equation of the highest-frequency asymptote (asymptote 6) of Zout .
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