Sustained Slow-Scale Oscillation in Higher Order Current-Mode Controlled Converter

DC-DC converters under current-mode control have been known to exhibit slow-scale oscillation as a result of a Hopf-type bifurcation as one or more of the parameters of the outer voltage loop are varied. In the absence of the outer voltage loop (i.e., open loop), slow-scale oscillation was generally not observed in simple low-order dc-dc converters, i.e., buck, buck-boost, and boost converters. In this paper, slow-scale bifurcation in a higher order current-mode controlled converter is studied. It has been found experimentally that, even in the absence of a closed outer voltage loop, a current-mode controlled Cuk converter can exhibit a slow-scale Hopf-type bifurcation. The phenomenon was observed in a commercial low-ripple dc-dc converter which has been designed using the Cuk converter and the LM2611 controller. Such slow-scale oscillation of the inner current loop can also be observed in full-circuit SPICE simulations. An averaged model has been developed and implemented in SPICE to find the Hopf bifurcation boundaries. With this averaged model, the Hopf bifurcation can be explained conveniently using the traditional loop gain analysis. Specifically, the extra degrees of freedom in higher order dc-dc converters have opened up a new possible mode of instability which has not been found in simple low-order dc-dc converters.     

一类电路系统的分岔分析及超混沌控制研究

为了揭示电路系统丰富的非线性动力学行为,提高电路系统的稳定性,避免混沌或超混沌电路对元器件的危害,针对一类电路系统模型,应用现代数学中的微分方程理论和非线性动力学的方法,分析了系统发生分岔的条件,并通过数值分析验证了该理论结果。研究发现系统在一定参数条件下存在内衣马克-沙克分岔和倍周期分岔,随着参数的变化系统演化为混沌和超混沌。针对目前超混沌控制方法的研究较少,而且控制的周期轨道多是低周期轨道,提出一种节约能量并能将系统控制到高倍周期和概周期的方法,为研究许多现实离散系统模型提供了一种新的方法,对于研究电路系统提供了一条新的思路,因而具有一定的理论意义和实用价值。     

Real time implementation of fractional order PID controllers for a magnetic levitation plant

Fractional calculus has been a topic of great interest for the last few decades. The applications of fractional calculus can be found in the area of viscoelastic and chaotic systems, whose dynamics is expressed in the form of fractional differential equations. The ongoing research work is based on the design of 1-Degree of Freedom (1-DOF) and 2-Degrees of Freedom (2-DOF) Fractional Order PID (FOPID) controllers for a Magnetic levitation (Maglev) plant and the performance has been compared with that of 1-DOF and 2-DOF Integer Order PID (IOPID) controllers in both simulation and real time. The Degree of Freedom (DOF) represents the number of feed-forward control loops in a closed loop system. A 2-DOF controller configuration comprises of a serial compensator and a feed-forward compensator in a closed loop structure. An FOPID controller has a structure similar to that of a conventional IOPID controller, except that its derivative and integral orders are fractional numbers. The design of such a controller requires the determination of five parameters: K_p, K_i, K_d, α and β, where α and β are the derivative and integral orders of the FOPID controller. The controller design problem has been framed as an optimization problem, in which the cost function is formulated from the characteristic equation of the closed loop system at dominant poles that are identified from the given performance specifications. The closed loop response shows that the proposed2-DOF FOPID controller exhibits superior response and robustness with respect to its integer order counterpart.     

Position control of a pneumatic surgical robot using PSO based 2-DOF H∞ loop shaping structured controller

This research proposed novel development of a 2-DOF H_∞ loop shaping structured controller based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) that considers the closed-loop dynamic response, robustness, stability, and minimal control input in design criteria to control position of 3-DOF pneumatic surgical robot. Unlike other conventional H_∞ controllers, the proposed controller offers robustness, high performance, but cost-effective simple structure, which has recently received attention from several researchers and preferred in industrial applications. The proposed technique is simulated and experimented on a nonlinear system of a pneumatic 3-DOF surgical robot for a Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). Mechanical design, dynamics modeling, and system identification of the surgical robot are conducted. The simulation results verify that the proposed controller can gain a better H_∞ sub-optimal solution than the conventional 2-DOF H_∞ loop shaping controller. Also, the experiments confirm that the proposed controller is capable to tolerate the perturbed conditions and can be alternative to the conventional controllers in pneumatic controlled system     

Two-Parameter Discontinuity-Induced Bifurcation Curves in a ZAD-Strategy-Controlled DC–DC Buck Converter

The dynamics of a zero-average dynamic strategy controlled dc–dc Buck converter, modelled by a set of differential equations with discontinuous right-hand side is studied. Period-doubling and corner-collision bifurcations are found to occur close to each other under small parameter variations. Closer examination of the parameter space leads to the discovery of a novel bifurcation. This type of bifurcation has not been reported so far in the literature and it corresponds to a corner-collision bifurcation of a nonhyperbolic cycle. The bifurcation boundaries are computed analytically in this paper and the system dynamics are unfolded close to the novel bifurcation point.This paper was completed during a research period of all the authors at the CRM in Barcelona in March 2007.      

Circuits with Oscillatory Hierarchical Farey Sequences and Fractal Properties

We present two dual oscillating circuits having a wide spectrum of dynamical properties but relatively simple topologies. Each circuit has five bifurcating parameters, one nonlinear element of cubic current–voltage characteristics, one controlled element, LCR components and a constant biasing source. The circuits can be considered as two coupled oscillators (linear and nonlinear) that form dual jerk circuits. Bifurcation diagrams of the circuits show a rather surprising result that the bifurcation patterns are of the Farey sequence structure and the circuits’ dynamics is of a fractal type. The circuits’ fractal dimensions of the box counting (capacity) algorithm, Kaplan–Yorke (Lyapunov) type and its modified (improved) version are all estimated to be between 2.26 and 2.52. Our analysis is based on numerical calculations which confirm a close relationship of the circuits’ bifurcation patterns with those of the Ford circles and Stern–Brocot trees.     

Intermittent Phenomena in Switched Systems With High Coupling Strengths

In this paper, one kind of intermittency generated by a discontinuous system is studied. Although this system, which is composed of two switched subsystems coupled with a high strength, is nonsmooth, the mechanism of this kind of intermittency can be analyzed with several explicit relations between the intermittency characteristics and the system control parameters. In particular, estimates of "steady-state" values of the system (in the laminar phases) and a critical value for this intermittency can be derived, which are helpful in relevant control systems design. Moreover, some power laws for the observed intermittency are obtained and discussed     

Probing the growth of β‐FeSi2 nanoparticles for photovoltaic applications: a combined imaging and spectroscopy study using transmission electron microscopy

The microstructure of β‐FeSi₂ nanoparticles grown using magnetron sputtering on Si has been examined using various electron microscopy techniques. FeSi₂ nanoparticles as small as ∼4 nm are found embedded in Si after growth using co‐sputtering of FeSi₂ and Si, followed by rapid thermal annealing (RTA). The formation of nanoparticles and its variation in density with Fe content is discussed in terms of phase separation. Our study shows that the size and density of the nanoparticles as well as the extent of Fe diffusion into sputtered Si and substrate can be controlled by controlling the Fe content in the co‐sputtered film. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

开关功率变换器中的间歇现象--理论分析

鉴于间歇分谐波与间歇混沌的产生可以从电路耦合滤波的角度进行合理的解释,则可以此为基础,用参数域上的分叉来映射时间域上的分叉,从而使得可以用一般的特征值分析方法(针对参数分叉)来实现变换器中间歇现象的分析(针对时间分叉),特征值、分叉图及最大Lyapunov指数均表明得到的研究结果与仿真及实验是完全一致的,这样便从理论上证明了变换器中间歇现象的产生是由于电路中耦合了寄生干扰信号这一设想.     

Interactive Growth Effects of Rare‐Earth Nanoparticles on Nanorod Formation in YBa2Cu3Ox Thin Films

The controlled growth of self‐assembled second‐phase nanostructures has been shown to be an essential tool for enhancing properties of several composite oxide thin film systems. Here, the role of Y₂O₃ nanoparticles on the growth of BaZrO₃ (BZO) nanorods is investigated in order to understand the mechanisms governing their self‐assembly in YBa₂Cu₃O_7–x (YBCO) thin films and to more fully control the resulting defect landscape. By examining the microstructure and current‐carrying capacity of BZO‐doped YBCO films, it is shown that the nanorod growth dynamics are significantly enhanced when compared to films double‐doped with BZO and Y₂O₃ nanoparticles. The average nanorod length and associated critical current densities are found to increase at a significantly higher rate in the absence of Y₂O₃ nanoparticles when the growth temperature is increased. Using microstructural data from transmission electron microscopy studies and the response in critical current density, the interactive effects of multiple dopants that must be considered to fully control the defect landscape in oxide thin films are shown.     

Thermodynamic assessment of the Sn-Co lead-free solder system

The Sn-Co-Cu eutectic alloy can be a less expensive alternative for the Sn-Ag-Cu alloy. In order to find the eutectic solder composition of the Sn-Co-Cu system, the Sn-Co binary system has been thoroughly assessed with the calculation of phase diagram (CALPHAD) method. The liquid phase, the FCC and HCP Co-rich solid solution, and the BCT Sn-rich solid solution have been described by the Redlich-Kister model. The Hillert-Jarl-Inden model has been used to describe the magnetic contributions to Gibbs energy in FCC and HCP. The CoSn₂, CoSn, Co₃Sn_{2_}β, and Co₃Sn_{2_}α phases have been treated as stoichiometric phases. A series of thermodynamic parameters have been obtained. The calculated phase diagram and thermodynamic properties are in good agreement with the experimental data. The obtained thermodynamic data was used to extrapolate the ternary Sn-Co-Cu phase diagram. The composition of the Sn-rich eutectic point of the Sn-Co-Cu system was found to be 224°C, 0.4% Co, and 0.7% Cu.     

Impact of Dynamic Interlayer Interactions on Thermal Conductivity of Ca3Co4O9

The phonon thermal conductivity of misfit-layered Ca₃Co₄O₉ has been calculated by perturbed molecular dynamics using a classical force field. Detailed numerical analyses reveal that, in spite of its smaller cross-sectional area, the CoO₂ layer transports more heat than the thicker rock salt (RS) layer, although its local thermal conduction is more suppressed than in another layered cobaltite, Na _x CoO₂. The origins of these differences have been elucidated through careful examination of the atomic arrangements in each layer. Since thermal conduction in the RS layer can be reduced without deteriorating electronic properties for which the CoO₂ layer is responsible, it is suggested that the RS layer should be modified to further suppress the overall in-plane thermal conductivity. Computational experiments with increasing number of Ca–O planes in the RS layer showed the opposite trend to what can be predicted based on the misfit between two dissimilar layers. Further analyses to reveal the origin of these unexpected results provide yet another strategy to further decrease the thermal conductivity, namely to control the dynamic interference between atoms across the interface between two layers.     

Effects of circuit loss and space charge in gyro-travelling-wave tubes

A modified dispersion relation of a gyro-TWT using a cylindrical waveguide excited in aT E _mn -mode is derived incorporating the effect of the transverse space charge forces. The relation is subsequently studied considering the circuit losses and interpreted for the conventional TWT-type gain equation. The second harmonic operation using theT E ₀₂ cylindrical waveguide mode resonated with the second beam-harmonic mode is found to be more sensitive to the Pierce's loss and space-charge parameters for a gyro-TWT than the fundamental operation using theT E ₀₁ cylindrical waveguide mode resonated with the first beam-harmonic mode. It is established that these parameters substantially influence the device gain and must be considered for the prediction of its accurate value. Furthermore, these parameters when properly controlled can also improve the device bandwidth.     

Polymorph Switching of Calcium Carbonate Crystals by Polymer‐Controlled Crystallization

Polymer‐controlled crystallization of calcium carbonate crystals in solution by a gas diffusion method has been carried out in the presence of poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate‐co‐N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PSS‐co‐PNIPAAM), and for the first time all three anhydrous polymorphs, calcite, vaterite, and aragonite could be selectively produced with a single additive. The selective polymorph synthesis can be nicely adjusted simply by concentration variations of polymer and calcium ions in the present reaction system. The simplicity of the system reveals the influence of Ca²⁺ and polymer concentration on the nucleation and crystal growth of CaCO₃ via the balance between thermodynamic and kinetic reaction control. A single mechanistic framework employing particle mediated as well as ion mediated crystallization for polymorph control is proposed.     

Gold Nanocage‐Based Dual Responsive “Caged Metal Chelator” Release System: Noninvasive Remote Control with Near Infrared for Potential Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Metal ions have been demonstrated to participate in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD): amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) aggregation and formation of neurotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as H₂O₂. Metal chelator can block ROS formation and inhibit metal induced Aβ aggregation. Metal‐ion chelation therapy as a compelling treatment for AD has been extensively studied. However, most chelators are not suitable for AD treatment because of their poor permeability of the blood–brain barrier and their limited ability to differentiate toxic metals associated with Aβ plaques from those associated with normal metal homeostasis. Here, a novel dual‐responsive “caged metal chelator” release system based on gold nanocage (AuNC) for AD treatment is reported. Since arylboronic ester is redox‐ and thermal‐sensitive, phenylboronic acid‐functionalized AuNC can serve as an efficient delivery system for H₂O₂‐responsive controlled release of metal chelator. The release can be further enhanced through remote control with NIR light because of the high near‐infrared absorbance of AuNC. The smart system can effectively inhibit Aβ aggregate formation, decrease cellular ROS, and protect cells from Aβ‐related toxicity. In light of these advantages, this design provides new insights into noninvasive remote control with NIR to improve therapeutic efficacy for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.     

Growth of MnSi1.7 Layers on MnSi Substrate by Molten Salt Method

MnSi_1.7 layers have been successfully grown using a molten salt method. It was found that homogeneous MnSi_1.7 layers with columnar domain structure can be grown on MnSi substrates. The dependence of the thickness and domain structure of the layers on the growth conditions was investigated. It was found that the deposited atoms, namely Si, were the dominant diffusion species, and the formation of Kirkendall voids was avoided for the silicidation reaction based on interdiffusion. The layer thickness could be controlled by the growth temperature and time, and was diffusion controlled. The interdiffusion coefficient was approximately 5 × 10^?10 cm²/s for growth temperature of 900°C. The activation energy of interdiffusion was deduced to be approximately 1.1 eV for growth of the MnSi_1.7 layers. This growth technique provides a simple and controllable method to grow large-area, high-quality MnSi_1.7 layers.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Crystalline Ag2Se Nanowires Through a Template‐Engaged Reaction at Room Temperature

Single‐crystalline Ag₂Se nanowires have been successfully synthesized through a template‐engaged topotactic reaction in which nanowires of trigonal selenium were transformed into Ag₂Se by reacting with aqueous AgNO₃ solutions at room temperature (RT). An interesting size‐dependent transition between two crystal structures has also been observed for this newly synthesized one‐dimensional system: The Ag₂Se nanowires adopted a tetragonal structure when their diameters were less than ∼40 nm; an orthorhombic structure was found to be more favorable as the diameter of these nanowires was increased beyond 40 nm. Since this reaction can be carried out at ambient pressure and temperature, it should be straightforward to scale up the entire process for the high‐volume production of Ag₂Se nanowires with well‐controlled sizes and crystal structures. These highly uniform nanowires of single‐crystalline Ag₂Se are potentially useful as photosensitizers, superionic conductors, magnetoresistive compounds, or thermoelectric materials. This work also represents the first demonstration of a template‐engaged process capable of generating single‐crystalline nanowires from the solution‐phase and at RT.     

H∞ loop shaping for the torque-vectoring control of electric vehicles: Theoretical design and experimental assessment

This paper presents an H_∞ torque-vectoring control formulation for a fully electric vehicle with four individually controlled electric motor drives. The design of the controller based on loop shaping and a state observer configuration is discussed, considering the effect of actuation dynamics. A gain scheduling of the controller parameters as a function of vehicle speed is implemented. The increased robustness of the H_∞ controller with respect to a Proportional Integral controller is analyzed, including simulations with different tire parameters and vehicle inertial properties. Experimental results on a four-wheel-drive electric vehicle demonstrator with on-board electric drivetrains show that this control formulation does not need a feedforward contribution for providing the required cornering response in steady-state and transient conditions.     

铁电液晶型光电混合系统非线性调制效应的理论分析

在以铁电液晶为非线性介质的光电混合系统中 ,选择正弦调制信号和偏压为控制参数 ,通过数值分析得到了系统的一组非线性效应状态图 ,并给出了相应的分叉、混沌等演化模式。模拟结果表明 ,铁电液晶型光电混合系统对入射光的调制可被控制在不同模式上