Advanced Digitally Controlled Resonant Converter for Space Applications

Abstract

The main objective of this thesis is to design and develop a 50W Digitally Controlled Resonant DC-DC Converter for typical Communication Satellite application. Various advanced resonant conversion topologies will be studied and the most suitable one realizable for space will be finalized. A Design Verification Model (DVM) of the DC-DC converter will be designed and realized with commercial components for which space qualified versions are available. Initially, the design will be carried out with conventional analog control and then to migrate to digital control. The switching frequency targeted for the resonant converter will be of 100KHz-500KHz range. The start-up, steady state and load transient behavior of the converter will be evaluated for both analog and digital control implementations. Power Stage and Control designs, required algorithm developments/programming, time domain and frequency domain simulation and analysis will be done by using appropriate Software tools. Modelling will be done for blocks which does not have standard models in the tools to have realistic and accurate simulation results. The DVM of the 50W dc-dc converter developed with digital control will be demonstrated for its steady state performance and for the output edibility by command feature; which is the essential requirement for realizing new generation Flexible Satellite payloads. The implemented topology and control techniques in this thesis work will be further assessed for its capability for higher switching frequency (500KHz) and higher power (up to 650W) for other potential Satellite applications.