Analysis and Application of a New Control Method for Continuous-mode
Boost Converters in Power Factor Correction Circuits
Igor Merfert
Institut Allgemeine Elektrotechnik und Leistungselektronik
Otto-von-Guericke-Universitaet Magdeburg
39 110 Magdeburg, Germany
E-mail: merfertae-technik.uni-magdeburg.de
Abstract-Most unity power factor rectifiers require a cur-
rent control loop in order to realize a sinusoidal mains current.
This contribution deals with a realization of a new control
method which is characterized through a sinusoidal mains cur-
rent for continuous-mode boost converters by controlling only
their DC-output voltage.
I. INTRODUCTION
Boost converters have a number of advantages if used as a
basis for power factor correction circuits. Those advantages
imply the most valuable feature of boost converters in con-
tinuous conduction mode: Their suitability for high power
levels [l]. This assertion has been made on the assumption
that converters for high power levels should provide uninter-
rupted input currents. This characteristic is a prerequisite be-
cause passive filtering should be kept on a low level as well
as the price of the required power electronics devices since
the price of a power electronics device gets higher with
higher values for its maximum electrical parameters.
Those facts demonstrate that a boost converter in continu-
ous conduction mode is a good choice even for three-phase
applications. Especially if the three-phase topology can be
derived directly from a single phase topology a realization
seems to be practical if the single phase application works
properly.
Unfortunately, that is not always the case because the con-
nection of three single phase boost converter in order to ob-
tain a Y - or a Delta-connection can lead to a distorted input
current of such a three phase application. The main cause of
distortions is the sensitive control circuit of every single
boost converter.
The so-called nested loop control is a widespread control
technique for continuous-mode boost converters, Fig. 1 [2].
This control technique contains the following disadvanta-
geous features: input current sensing, input voltage sensing
and an analogous multiplier stage. The latter one is the most
sensitive unit in the entire control circuit and precautions
have to be taken in order to ensure an undisturbed operation
if applied to three-phase converters.
The necessity for current measurement results from the
nonlinear behavior of the input current as a consequence of a
time-dependent input voltage and the "floating" behavior of
the boost converter topology in continuous conduction mode
(CCM). Hence, only a continuous change of the duty ratio or
0 1997 IEEE
0-7803-3840-5/97/$10.00
a continuous operation frequency change of the switching
transistor enables the boost converter in continuous conduc-
tion mode to withdraw a sinusoidal current from the mains
~3~41.
In order to force the mains-current or the rectified
mains-current iI,, liLl into sinusoidal waveshape different ap-
proaches have been pursued. Those approaches can be di-
vided into control techniques with genuine sinusoidal
reference signals and control techniques with approximated
sinusoidal reference signals. The first mentioned technique
often uses the rectified input voltage as a reference for the
controlled input current [2]. A synthesis of a rectified sinu-
soidal signal as reference synchronized to the mains is possi-
ble as well. The latter control technique is able to renounce
input voltage sensing [ 5 ] . Therefore an input voltage sensing
and in some cases a multiplication stage is not necessary [4].
Aside from the differences, all those control
techniques have a current control loop in common, which en-
sures the waveshape of the controlled current to be in the de-
sired waveform, given as a time-dependent reference value.
Other approaches to a sinusoidal mains current by using
the continuous-mode boost converter have been made by
modifying the converter topology [6, 71.
11. THENEWCONTROL
METHOD
The objective of this new control technique is to achieve a
sinusoidal mains current by renouncing the input current
sensing, the input voltage sensing, and the multiplier stage
without changing the converter topology. The basic idea is to
detect the current state of the converter and to recall stored
values which belong to this state. The recalled values control
the electronic switch. Those values have to be determined in
advance. This method can be referred to as a digital off-line
control technique.
The current state of the boost converter can be sensed by
different indicators. The realization complexity depends on
how many indicators are taken into consideration to decide
which function should be chosen to be applied. The simplest
realization case does not require any indicator. Such an appli-
cation could be regarded as an "uncontrolled rectifier with si-
nusoidal input current".
96
 voltage v,,,.A time-constant load withdraws a fixed amount of
electrical power from the boost converters output.
Calculations can be carried out based on the assumptions
that the input voltage is in ideal waveshape, a constant output
power is applied and all components correspond to their ideal
characteristics.
The entire converter topology was reduced to a topology
shown in Fig. 3 [7]. On condition that the mains current in!is
in sinusoidal waveshape the inductor current i,. is in rectified
sinusoidal waveshape. Due to this rectification the periodicity
Fig. 1 Circuit diagram of a boost converter of the considered period To can be set to the half mains
period T,,,.
A more complex realization would consider the output Ttu
To = --
2: (1)
voltage because it varies as a consequence of a changing
load. The output voltage can be used as the controlled output The energy balance of the equivalent circuit in Fig. 3 is
value. This is how a simple closed loop control for output given by:
voltage control is realized, Fig. 2.
The error signal V, is amplified by the controller circuit. pIN(t)
= p ~ , ( t+) p ~ ( t+Pout;
) Po,, =const. (2)
The output signal of this regulator is signal Rc. Due to the
current value of signal R, one special function D(t, P) is se- diL A

with p~ = i1, + L- and i], =Isin lot;0 5 t < TO (31

lected from the pre-programmed memory to control the elec- dt
tronic switch. equation ( 3 ) can be written as:
It is possible to take further indicators into account. E.g. if A A A2
the object of such a control unit is a multinational application V,, sin ot.I, sin ot = I , Lo sin ot . cos at + vg- d V O + Po,, (4)
dt
environment the input voltage has to be determined in some
way. Furthermore, the input voltage can be tracked more pre- The fundamental equation describing the output voltage,
cisely in order to be able to react to its slight changes if that can be given as follows, if the above derived dependencies
is desired. are considered, Fig. 4:
The improvement of mains voltage quality can be regarded
as a common trend and this leads to the conclusion that a
more precise detection of the mains voltage will often not be
necessary in the years to come. It is decisive for any applica-
tion to compute all required dluty ratio functions with the re- The equation (5) contains three terms. The first term char-
spected parameters in advance. acterizes the constant output voltage value. The second term
describes the altemation of the output voltage with mains fre-
quency and the third term is the description of the sinusoidal
111. MODELLING
AND CALCULATION
BASICS voltage which alternates with double mains frequency. Both
A simple boost converter topology comprising ideal com- altemating voltages are in phase with the mains voltage.
ponents was used for calculation model creation, cf. Fig. 1. It
comprises the inductor L, the transistor switch T, the
diode D,, and the capacitor C. The input of this converter is
connected via a diode rectifier bridge D, ...D, to the mains

$. mains
synchronization

I "0 1 j loutput 1
Fig. 2 Block diagram for a control circuit using the new Fig. 3 Equivalent circuit for output voltage calculation
control strategy

97
 Since the output voltage function is known, every value in
the circuit can be calculated. Two structures occur during the
operation of this circuit model. Both are shown in Fig. 5. The
lek equivalent circuit is valid while the transistor is switched
on. If the transistor is switched off the right equivalent circuit
applies.
The period of a duty ratio function has a duration of one
half mains period. Within one duty ratio function period the
input voltage, the input current and thus the mains current
match the sine-function waveform. The duty ratio functions
are obtained by seriatim computation starting from the mo-
Phase 1 Phase 2
ment t,, with the initial values, in8= 0 and v,, = 0.
One duty ratio value D is valid throughout one switching Fig. 5 Equivalent circuits of the two structures appearing
period. The result of one calculation sets the initial values for during the operation of a boost converter in
the following calculation. The results of the seriatim compu- continuous-mode
tation are duty ratio fbnctions vs. time. Every parameter set
delivers one specific duty ratio function. If the mains fre- V L = V/II - vo (8)
quency is assumed to be 50 Hz and the switching frequency while phase 2 and thus the inductor current can be given
is set to 20 kHz 200 values form one duty ratio function. If a by:
60 Hz mains frequency and a 20 kHz switching frequency are
the given values one duty ratio function contains 167 values. 1 l3
One single duty ratio value can be obtained as follows,
i1, = Im +- NI[; with AI11 = - SvLdt (9)
12
Fig. 6. The voltage applied to the inductor L is:
During phase 2 the inductor current decreases to the value
VL = Vnr (6) lx3.One transistor switching period is over when the inductor
and thus the current through the inductor can be described current reaches this value.
as: If the condition:
A12 = -A13 (10)
(7) is met the overall control principle can be regarded as an
average mode controlled power factor correction technique
The inductor current ir. exceeds the value of the ideal input
current (sine) during phase 1. At the moment DT, the transis-
PI.
If the computed graphs are closer looked at it becomes
tor is switched off and the inductor current starts to decrease. clear that an analogous control cannot deliver an ideal control
This marks the beginning of phase2. The inductor voltage of the switching transistor, Fig. 7 and 8. Especially the fast
follows the equation:

ideal (sine)

I Phase 1 Phase2

Fig. 4 Mains current i, and output voltage vg of the Fig. 6 Computation of one specific duty ratio value
continuous-mode boost converter in ideal operation D within the switching period T,.

98
 1
alternating change of the duty ratio function at the beginning 0
of a cycle can hardly be obtained by analogous control. 09

Despite all that it is also possible to obtain duty ratio func- 08

tions for this or other topologiies by means of computer simu- 07
lation or even measurement in a real circuit. For that the
06
control of these circuits has to be provided from a control
05
unit based on another control technique.
04

Iv. USAGE OF DUTYRAT10 FUNCTIONS

IN COMPUTER 03

SIMULATIONS 02 k-
The correctness of the calculations was confirmed by com- O '1 r,
o,,
2oml
ill

puter simulation first. The duty ratio function:; were trans- O k - , I ,

formed into the transistor switching signal. The control signal
has to have the value "1" if the transistor should be switched
on and "0" if the transistor should be switched off, Fig. 9.
The computed duty ratio function is correct, if the applica-
tion of this function produces an "ideal" sinusoidal input cur-
rent [8], Fig. 10. If that really is the case can be checked by
inspection of the time when the mains voltage becomes zero.
The input current only reaches exactly the value zero at the
same time if the entire circuit behaves ideally.
As mentioned earlier any duty ratio function can be ob-
tained by simulation or measurement in real circuits also as a
matter of principle. This second possibility for getting duty
ratio functions becomes unavoidable if a mathematical solu-
tion is hard or impossible to get. Such would be the case if
the input voltage does not follow a sinusoidal waveform, or
components do not behave ideal.
V. APPLICATION METHOD
OF THE NEWCONTROL
A. "Uncontrolled Rectifier with sinusoidal input current"
Two general possibilities for an application of this control
method are presented here. One application of this control
method leads to an "uncontrolled rectifier with sinusoidal in-
0 2E-3 4E-3 6E-3 8E-3 U[sl IOE-3
Fig. 8 Computed duty ratio functions vs. time with the
parameter output power
put current" [9]. This is the case if only one single duty ratio
function is applied to the boost converter without paying any
attention to the load. This control method requires a mains
synchronization as the only feedback path from the mains
voltage. The control circuit shown in Fig. 11 was used for
this.
In this first practical application 3 address pins A8 ...A10
were used to select one specific duty ratio function. The
lower EPROM address pins are controlled through the ad-
dress counter. The address counter increments from 0 to 199
within one half mains period. During this time 200 pre-
programmed values appear at the EPROM's data pins. Each
value is available for 50 ps. This period of time is equal to
the transistor switching period T,. After a half mains
period TJ2 of 10 ms the entire process is reset and the ad-
dress counter restarts. The output-data-values ~- program the
decrement counter. This counter determines the current duty
ratio for switching the transistor T. The output characteristic

2.61-03 IC-03 3 <C-03

o / 7
0 2E-3 4E-3 6E-3 8E-3 vlsl IOE-3
Fig. 9 Simulated characteristics input current i,,,, applied
Fig. 7 Computed duty ratio functions vs. time with the transistor control signal D an the output voltage vo
parameter input voltage:

99
is a linear function with a decreasing output voltage vs. an in-
creasing output power, Fig. 12.
Experimental investigations showed that one single duty
ratio function is applicable over a wide load range and that it
Memory
containing
-.y 11.
5MHz

produces very high power factor values. If only one duty ra- manual selection of
tio function is applied to a boost converter there would be one single function pre-calculated Decrement
duty ratio counter
only one single parameter-set which meets the requirements functions
for an ideal behavior, theoretically. However, it was proved
that in those cases the only disturbance of the circuit's behav-
ior is a deterioration of the power factor h which of course is
desired to be very close to '1'.
The performed tests confirmed an uncritical circuit opera-
tion concerning the smoothness of the output voltage on the Synchronization
2OkHz
with mains
one hatid as well as the negligible amount of direct current in
the mains current on the other hand. The results of the deter-
mination of the power factor vs. the mains voltage are shown Fig. 1 1 Control scheme for an "uncontrolled rectifier with
in Fig. 13. sinusoidal input current"

the output voltage V, as shown in Fig. 14. If the output volt-

age is the only parameter which is supposed to be changeable
one duty ratio function array would be sufficient. The actual
vn! c L Vo Po T, T"1 number of duty ratio functions has to be fixed based upon the
X' 680 pF 15 mH 400V 500 W 50 ps 20ms intended preciseness of the mains current and the considered
parameter range.
The controller circuit consists of an amplifier with I-action.
X': V,,= (1) 180 V; (2) 190 V; (3) 200 V; (4) 210 V;
A simple 8 Bit AiD-converter is used for digitizing the signal
(5) 220 v
R,.. Only the 3 most significant bits of the AiD-converter are
considered here for the selection of one of the eight stored
B. Rectifier with sinusoidal input current and output duty ratio functions through signal R,. The signal R, is
voltage control connected to the address pins A8 to A10 of the EPROM.
Another possibility to benefit from this control method is The eight duty ratio functions used in this application are a
to use the control unit within a closed loop in order to control rather small number of stored functions. However, this num-
ber can be easily increased because the storage space re-
quired for 200 values with 8 Bits per duty ratio function is
comparatively low. Nevertheless, even this small number of
duty ratio functions shows the wanted effect.

395 ~

390

385

375

YO

365

360

355 1
Fig. 10 Calculated duty ratio functions D vs. time t , Fig. 12 Output voltage V, vs. output power P, in an
parameter mains voltage V,,). "uncontrolled rectifier with sinusoidal input current"

100
 1
0,98
0.97
,
U.96
0,95
t
I
l i
1'
/ output voltage as parameter
093L:
094
a0 92
91
180 185 190 195 200 705 210 215 220
Fig. 13 Measured dependency of power factor h vs. mains
voltage V, as a result of one applided duty ratio
function (1 ...5), cf. Table 1
Furthermore a resistor was used as load on the output in-
stead of a constant load as it was presumed in the calcula-
tions. It is conceivable that a constant load such as a
controlled converter would even enhance the mains current
quality. Last but not least the mains voltage differed from the
ideal sinusoidal waveshape which was used in the
calculation.
Fig. 15 demonstrates the effect of the kind of duty ratio
function on the power factor A. One duty ratio function array
was calculated with the output power P, as parameter, the
other array was obtained by using the output voltage V, as
parameter. Array is used here to describe a number of duty
ratio functions which differ from each other in one parameter
value, e.g. output voltage or output power, cf. Fig. 7 and 8.
The duty ratio function array based upon the output voltage
achieves an extremely bad power factor for low output power
values. Nevertheless the power factor gets better with a
higher output power. The power factor achieved with duty
ratio functions which result from the variation of the output
power show a more stable behavior in connection with the
applied output power. Still, Fig. 16 and 17 show that high
quality mains currents were achieved.
The output voltage vs. output power characteristic demon-
strates the capabilities of the output voltage closed loop con-
trol, Fig. 18. If the load is lower then about 300 W the duty
Fig. 14 Control scheme of the irealized control unit
of applied duty ratio function with
1 output power as parameter
I power factor as a consequence
of applied duty ratio function with
i i
100
v./lvl 230
Fig. 15 Power factor h vs. output power Po in closed loop
circuit for output voltage control
ratio function with the smallest output power or output volt-
age is used. The circuit behaves here like the uncontrolled
one. A similar behavior of this circuit can be noticed at high
power values. The maximum function is reached for both
duty ratio functions arrays at 1200 W and 1300 W, respec-
tively. That is why the output voltage decreases for higher
values of output power.
Fig. 19 shows the dynamic behavior of the closed loop
control. An increasing input voltage v,, causes an increasing
output voltage vg. Hence another duty ratio function is se-
lected from the memory by the control circuit. This is the rea-
son for the following voltage adjustment to the reference
value of 400 V.
VI. CONCLUSIONS
A inew control method for boost converters in continuous
condilrtion mode and sinusoidal input current was intro-
duced. This new control method is based on a digital off-line
control technique and that is why it requires neither current
2
4
200
0 IOE-1 ZOf-3 30E 3 4OE-3 f/bl 60E-1
Fig. 14 Measured characteristics of the output voltage vo, the
mains current ,i and the mains voltage v,, V,,, = 220V,
h = 0.99, Po= 1250 W, V,= 400 V
101
 2-
4-

VOWl
6
42s7!L _-
I
IUm - - --
20m - 30m
7-- 7
40m
- v
5Um
-
6Um
r -
41St
405 c

---
400.-
395
--
390
385L
380
-
T - -- 7K
I

-3%
-I - I

Fig. 17 Measured characteristics of the output voltage V,, the
mains current i, and the mains voltage v,,,;Vn,=200V,
Vo= 333V, P0=685W, h=0.995
sensing and input voltage sensing nor a multiplier stage on
principle. The only crucial feedback between the control unit
and the boost converter is the synchronization signal derived
from the mains voltage. If an output voltage control is de-
sired it has to be ensured that an output voltage signal is
available as well.
In order to use this new control method duty ratio func-
tions with a duration of a half mains period have to be calcu-
lated and stored in advance. It was shown how to obtain
specific duty ratio functions for various parameter sets. An
equation for the output voltage was given as a basis for the
computation of ideal duty ratio functions. The correctness of
a number of computed duty ratio functions was checked by
means of computer simulation.
A practical application of this new control method without
output voltage control was introduced. This circuit was re-
ferred to as "uncontrolled rectifier with sinusoidal input cur-
rent". A second practical application with output voltage
VO~lVl
403 ~
- - m i -
- _ _
- ,/rb, --+I
- 11
Fig. 19 Behavior of the closed loop control for the output
voltage in the case of an input voltage increase
control was presented to confirm the feasibility of a more so-
phisticated usage of this new control method.
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398 obtained through vanation of the input voltage \
1. Merfert, "Ein neues Steuerverfahren zur sinusf8rmigen
397- , Stromaufnahme aus dem Einphasennetz mit einem Hochsetzsteller in
396- t nichliickender Betriebsweise," Fachtagung Leistungselektronische
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