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The efficiency and power density improvement of power switching converters play a crucial role in energy conversion. In the field of motor control, this requires an increase in the converter switching frequency together with a reduction in the switching legs’ dead time. This target turns out to be complex when using pure silicon switch technologies. Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices have appeared in the switching device arena in recent years and feature much more favorable static and dynamic characteristics compared to pure silicon devices. In the field of motion control, there is a growing use of GaN devices, especially in low voltage applications. This paper provides guidelines for designers on the optimal use of GaN FETs in motor control applications, identifying the advantages and discussing the main issues. In this work, primarily an experimental evaluation of GaN FETs in a low voltage electrical drive is carried out. The experimental investigation is obtained through two different experimental boards to highlight the switching legs’ behavior in several operative conditions and different implementations. In this evaluative approach, the main GaN FETs’ technological aspects and issues are recalled and consequently linked to motion control requirements. The device’s fast switching transients combined with reduced direct resistance contribute to decreased power losses. Thus, in GaN FETs, a high switching frequency with a strong decrease in dead time is achievable. The reduced dead time impact on power loss management and improvement of output waveforms quality is analyzed and discussed in this paper. Furthermore, input filter capacitor design matters correlated with increasing switching frequency are pointed out. Finally, the voltage transients slope effect (dv/dt) is considered and correlated with low voltage motor drives requirements.

This paper proposes a novel pulse width modulation (PWM) for a three-level neutral point clamped (NPC) voltage source inverter (VSI). When the conventional PWM method is used in three-level NPC VSI, dead time is required to prevent a short circuit caused by the operation of complementary devices on the upper and lower arms. However, current distortion is increased because of the dead time and it can also cause a voltage unbalance in the dc-link. To solve this problem, we propose a zero dead-time width modulation (ZDPWM) which does not require dead time used in complementary operation. The proposed technique applies the offset voltage to the space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) reference voltage for the same modulation index (MI) as the conventional SVPWM, but any complementary switching operation needs dead time. In addition, the proposed method is divided into four operation sections using the reference voltage and phase current to operate switching devices which flow the current depending on the section. This ZDPWM method is simply implemented by carrier and reference voltage that reduce the current distortion, because complementary operation that needs dead time is not implemented. However, the operation section is delayed due to the sampling delay that occurs during the experiment. Therefore, in this paper, we conduct a modeling of sampling delay to improve the delay of operation section. To verify the principle and feasibility of the proposed ZDPWM method, a simulation and experiment are implemented.

The paper develops and investigates a novel set of constrained-output robust controllers with selectable response smoothing degree designed for an integrator-plus-dead-time (IPDT) plant model. The input-output response of the IPDT system is internally approximated by several time-delayed, possibly higher-order plant models of increasing complexity. Since they all contain a single integrator, the presented approach can be considered as a generalization of active disturbance rejection control (ADRC). Due to the input/output model used, the controller commissioning can be based on a simplified process modeling, similar to the one proposed by Ziegler and Nichols. This allows it to be compared with several alternative controllers commonly used in practice. Its main advantage is simplicity, since it uses only two identified process parameters, even when dealing with more complex systems with distributed parameters. The proposed set of controllers with increasing complexity includes the stabilizing proportional (P), proportional-derivative (PD), or proportional-derivative-acceleration (PDA) controllers. These controllers can be complemented by extended state observers (ESO) for the reconstruction of all required state variables and non-measurable input disturbances, which also cover imperfections of a simplified plant modeling. A holistic performance evaluation on a laboratory heat transfer plant shows interesting results from the point of view of the optimal least sensitive solution with smooth input and output.

An analytical model predictive control (MPC) tuning method for multivariable first-order plus fractional dead time systems is presented in this paper. First, the decoupling condition of the closed-loop system is derived, based on which the considered multivariable MPC tuning problem is simplified to a pole placement problem. Given such a simplification, an analytical tuning method guaranteeing the closed-loop stability as well as pre-specified time-domain performance is developed. Finally, simulation examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

With the rapid development of industrial technology, the multi-point (multi-input multi-output) heating processing systems with integrated temperature control have been increasingly needed to achieve high-quality and high-performance processing. In this paper, in response to the demand for proper transient response and to provide more accurate temperature controls, a novel pole-zero cancelation method is proposed for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) temperature control in heating process systems. In the proposed method, the temperature differences and transient characteristics of all points can be improved by compensating dead time difference and coupling effect together by matrix compensation and pole-zero cancelation with the feedforward reference model. Both simulations and experiments were carried out. The results were compared to the well-tuned conventional PI control system and PI plus decoupling compensation system to evaluate the control efficiency of the proposed method.

Recently, pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs), a lightweight and high-compliant actuator, have been increasingly used in assistive rehabilitation robots. PAM-based applications must overcome two inherent drawbacks. The first is the nonlinearity due to the compressibility of the air, and the second is the hysteresis due to its geometric construction. Because of these drawbacks, it is difficult to construct not only an accurate mathematical model but also a high-performance control scheme. In this paper, the discrete-time fractional order integral sliding mode control approach is investigated to deal with the drawbacks of PAMs. First, a discrete-time second order plus dead time mathematical model is chosen to approximate the characteristics of PAMs in the antagonistic configuration. Then, the fractional order integral sliding mode control approach is employed together with a disturbance observer to improve the trajectory tracking performance. The effectiveness of the proposed control method is verified in multi-scenario experiments using a physical actuator.

Dead-time effect has become an apparent issue in high-switching-frequency high-power dual active bridge (DAB) DC-DC converter. This paper gives a detailed analysis of phase-shift errors effect caused by dead time, including output voltage offset, soft-switching failure, optimal scheme failure, etc. Phase-shift errors effect will invalidate traditional analyses of optimal control and mislead the design of DAB converter. To overcome these drawbacks, various operating modes and an accurate transmission power model incorporating dead time under triple-phase-shift (TPS) control are developed. On this basis, an optimal TPS incorporating dead time (TPSiDT) scheme is further proposed to minimize the current stress, while guaranteeing soft-switching operation by using Lagrange multiplier method (LMM) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). The novel transmission power model can provide accurate power flow computation to avoid phase-shift errors. Therefore, in practical applications, the minimum current stress and soft-switching operation can be guaranteed, and the efficiency of DAB converter can be improved. Finally, the experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed TPSiDT scheme.

To prevent short-circuits between the upper and lower switches of power converters from over-current protection, the dead time is mandatory in the switching gating signal for voltage source converters. However, this results in many negative effects on system operations, such as output voltage and current distortions (e.g., increased level of fifth and seventh harmonics), zero-current-clamping phenomenon, and output fundamental-frequency voltage reduction. Many solutions have been presented to cope with this problem. First, the dead-time effect is analyzed by taking into account factors such as the zero-clamping phenomenon, voltage drops on diodes and transistors, and the parameters of inverter loads, as well as the parasitic nature of semiconductor switches. Second, the state-of-the-art dead-time compensation algorithms are presented in this paper. Third, the advantages and disadvantages of existing algorithms are discussed, together with the future trends of dead-time compensation algorithms. This article provides a complete scenario of dead-time compensation with control strategies for voltage source converters for researchers to identify suitable solutions based on demand and application.

A quasi-Z-source inverter (qZSI) is a single-stage inverter that enables a boost of the input dc voltage through the utilization of a so-called shoot-through state (STS). Generally, the efficiency of the qZSI depends on the utilized STS injection method to a significant extent. This paper presents a novel method of STS injection, called the zero-sync method, in which the STS occurrence is synchronized with the beginning of the zero switching states (ZSSs) of the three-phase sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM). In this way, compared to the conventional STS injection method, the total number of switchings per transistor is reduced. The ZSSs are detected by utilizing the SPWM pulses and the logic OR gates. The desired duration of the STS is implemented by utilizing the LM555CN timer. The laboratory setup of the three-phase qZSI in the stand-alone operation mode was built to compare the proposed zero-sync method with the conventional STS injection method. The comparison was carried out for different values of the switching frequency, input voltage, duty ratio, and load power. As a result of the implementation of the zero-sync method, the qZSI efficiency was increased by up to 4%. In addition, the unintended STSs, caused by the non-ideal switching dynamics of the involved transistors, were successfully eliminated by introducing the optimal dead-time as part of the modified zero-sync method. As a result, the efficiency was increased by up to 12% with regard to the conventional method.

The paper investigates and explains a new simple analytical tuning of proportional-integrative-derivative (PID) controllers. In combination with nth order series binomial low-pass filters, they are to be applied to the double-integrator-plus-dead-time (DIPDT) plant models. With respect to the use of derivatives, it should be understood that the design of appropriate filters is not only an implementation problem. Rather, it is also critical for the resulting performance, robustness and noise attenuation. To simplify controller commissioning, integrated tuning procedures (ITPs) based on three different concepts of filter delay equivalences are presented. For simultaneous determination of controller + filter parameters, the design uses the multiple real dominant poles method. The excellent control loop performance in a noisy environment and the specific advantages and disadvantages of the resulting equivalences are discussed. The results show that none of them is globally optimal. Each of them is advantageous only for certain noise levels and the desired degree of their filtering.

High detection efficiency appears to be associated with a high afterpulse probability for InP-based single-photon avalanche diodes. In this paper, we present a new hybrid quenching technique that combines the advantages of both fast active quenching and high-frequency gated-passive quenching, with the aim of suppressing higher-order afterpulsing effects. Our results showed that the hybrid quenching method contributed to a 10% to 85% reduction of afterpulses with a gate-free detection efficiency of 4% to 10% at 1.06 μm, with 40 ns dead time, compared with the counter-based hold-off method. With the improvement of the afterpulsing performance of high-frequency gated single-photon detectors, especially at relatively high average detection efficiencies with wide gate widths, the proposed method enables their use as high-performance free-running detectors.

Dead time between the complementary driving signals is needed to avoid short circuit in voltage source inverters (VSIs), however, this raises issues such as voltage distortion and harmonic generation. In wireless power transfer (WPT) systems, the ratio of dead time versus operating period becomes more problematic due to the high frequency, where the dead time can cause serious concerns regarding the phase errors and control performance deterioration. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the dead-time effect for WPT systems based on a series&ndash, series (SS) topology. Firstly, it is found that voltage distortion appears in two regions in comparison with the three in one active bridge WPT system, and seven regions, as compared to the eight in dual active bridge (DAB) WPT system. Afterwards, a novel pulse width modulation (PWM) method is proposed, where the driving signals of the same phase leg are no longer complementary to each other. By employing the proposed method, the dead-time effect can be addressed up to a certain extent, and the desired voltage can be obtained in all the regions. In addition, the proposed method is not influenced by the system parameters, and can be easily applied to other high-frequency resonant converters. Simulated and experimental results are added to verify the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed control scheme.

Magnetic components are important parts of the phase shifted full bridge (PSFB) converter. During the dead-time of switches located in the same leg, the converter can achieve zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) by using the energies stored in magnetic components to discharge or charge the output capacitances of switches. Dead-time is usually calculated under a given set of pre-defined load condition which results in that the available energies are insufficient and ZVS capability is lost at light loads. In this paper, the PSFB converter is controlled by variable dead-time method and thus full advantage can be taken of the energies stored in magnetic components. Considering that dead-time has a great effect on ZVS, the relationship between available energies and magnetic component values is formulated by analyzing the equivalent circuits during dead-time intervals. Magnetic component values are chosen based on such relationship. The proposed choice procedure can make the available energies greater than the required energies for ZVS operation over a wide range of load conditions. Moreover, the burst mode control is adopted in order to reduce the standby power loss. Experimental results coincide with the theoretical analysis. The proposed method is a simple and practical solution to extend the ZVS range.

Power-hardware-in-the-loop systems enable testing of power converters for electric vehicles (EV) without the use of real physical components. Battery emulation is one example of such a system, demanding the use of bidirectional power flow, a wide output voltage range and high current swings. A multiphase synchronous DC-DC converter is appropriate to handle all of these requirements. The control of the multiphase converter needs to make sure that the current is shared equally between phases. It is preferred that the closed-loop dynamic model is linear in a wide range of output currents and voltages, where parameter variations, control signal limits, dead time effects, and so on, are compensated for. In the case presented in this paper, a cascade control structure was used with inner sliding mode control for phase currents. For the outer voltage loop, a proportional controller with output current feedforward compensation was used. Disturbance observers were used in current loops and in the voltage loop to compensate mismatches between the model and the real circuit. The tuning rules are proposed for all loops and observers, to simplify the design and assure operation without saturation of control signals, that is, duty cycle and inductor current reference. By using the proposed control algorithms and tuning rules, a linear reduced order system model was devised, which is valid for the entire operational range of the converter. The operation was verified on a prototype 4-phase synchronous DC-DC converter.

In order to realize fast and efficient tuning of the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller parameters in thermal power plants, this paper thoroughly analyzes the problems existing in the relay characteristic method based on the phase angle margin auto-tuning method (PM method), and proposes an improved PM auto-tuning method for the most common first order plus dead time (FOPDT) model in practical engineering applications. The improved algorithm proposes the design of the target phase angle margin and the method of plant identification. Then, the optimization algorithm is used to calculate the correction coefficient of the setting formula to obtain the PID controller parameters that minimize the integrated time absolute error (ITAE) index of the control system. Finally, through the auto-tuning experiment on the generalized control model of the main steam temperature system in thermal power plants, it is verified that the improved algorithm is superior to the traditional PM method and Ziegler&ndash, Nichols method (Z-N method), and can obtain a fast and stable control performance.

In low and medium voltage power conversion systems, multilevel converters are becoming more and more attractive due to improved power density. However, the complexity of topology and control is a big challenge for the application of multilevel converters. In this paper, a four-level (4L) hybrid flying capacitor (FC) T-type converter has been researched in detail. The topological advantage of the converter is displayed in comparison to existing four-level converters. According to the feature of the topology, the operating status has been analyzed and the reason for the voltage jump is researched in detail during the dead-time period. A strategy to reduce voltage jump by adjusting the switching states has be presented. The FC voltages can be balanced by selecting the appropriate switching states. The relationships between the fluctuations of FC voltages and the modulation index and power factor (PF) have been analyzed by simulation results. The performance of the 4L converter has been investigated in MATLAB/Simulink as well as on a down-scaled laboratory prototype.

The dead-time effect, as an intrinsic problem of the converters based on the half-bridge unit, leads to distortions in the converter output. Although several dead-time effect compensation or elimination methods have been proposed, they cannot fully remove the dead-time effect of blanking delay error, because the output current polarity is difficult detect accurately. This paper utilizes the zero-voltage-switching (ZVT) technique to eliminate the blanking delay error, which is the main drawback of the hard-switching inverter, although the technique initially aims to improve the efficiency. A typical ZVT inverter—the auxiliary resonant snubber inverter (ARSI) is analyzed. The blanking delay error is completely eliminated in the ARSI. Another error source caused by the finite rise- and fall-times of the voltage is analyzed, which was not considered in the hard-switching inverter. A compensation method based on the voltage error estimation is proposed to compensate the rise- and fall-error. A prototype was developed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control. Both the simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the qualities of the output current and voltage in the ARSI are better than that in the hard-switching inverter due to the elimination of the blanking delay error. The total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output is further reduced by using the proposed compensation method in the ARSI.

Attributing to the advantages of high efficiency, low electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise and closest to the pulse-width-modulation (PWM) converter counterpart, zero-voltage-transition (ZVT) PWM soft-switching inverters are very suitable for high-performance applications. However, the conventional control algorithms intended for high efficiency generally results in voltage distortion. Thus, this paper, for the first time, proposes a high-precision control method to eliminate the dead-time effect through controlling the auxiliary current in the auxiliary resonant snubber inverter (ARSI), which is a typical ZVT PWM inverter. The dead-time effect of ARSI is analyzed, which is distinguished from hard-switching inverters. The proposed high-precision control is introduced based on the investigation of dead-time effect. A prototype was developed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control. The experimental results shows that the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output current of the ARSI can be reduced compared with that of the hard-switching inverter, because the blanking delay error is eliminated. The quality of the output current and voltage can be further improved by utilizing the proposed control method.

In this paper, measurable disturbance compensation techniques are analyzed, focusing the problem on the input-output and disturbance-output time delays. The feedforward compensation method is evaluated for the common structures that appear between the disturbance and process dynamics. Due to the presence of time delays, the study includes causality and instability phenomena that can arise when a classical approach for disturbance compensation is used. Different feedforward configurations are analyzed for two feedback control techniques, PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) and MPC (Model Predictive Control) that are widely used for industrial process-control applications. The specific tuning methodology for the analyzed process structure is used to obtain improved disturbance rejection performance regarding classical approaches. The evaluation of the introduced disturbance rejection schemes is performed through simulation, considering process constraints in order to highlight the advantages and drawbacks in common scenarios. The performance of the analyzed structure is expressed with different indexes that allow us direct comparisons. The obtained results show that the proper design and tuning of the feedforward action helps to significantly improve the overall control performance in process control tasks.

Due to their high power density and appropriateness for small circuits integration, switched-capacitor (SC) converters have gotten more interests. Applying the soft-charging technique effectively eliminates the current transient that results in a higher power density and a higher fundamental efficiency. Achieving the complete soft-charging operation is impossible by using the conventional control diagram for any SC converter topology. In this paper, we proposed a split-phase control to achieve the complete soft-charging operation in a power switched-capacitor (PSC) converter. The proposed control diagram was designed for a 1-to-4 PSC converter (two-level of the PSC converter). The implemented split-phase diagram successfully controls eight switches to exhibit eight modes of operation. In addition to the current transient elimination, the complete soft-charging allows us to reduce capacitor sizes. However, reducing capacitor size negatively increases the output voltage ripple; hence, an output LC filter is needed. The complete soft-charging achievement accomplishes a 96% efficiency due to the lower output impedance and the dead time switching. LT-Spice software has been used to verify the proposed control and the results were compared with hard-charging and incomplete soft-charging operations.

The conventional reclosing of a distribution system is performed after a fixed dead time. However, it may lead to the increased outage time due to delayed reclosing. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a new adaptive reclosing scheme. The electrostatic induction is analyzed under at during-fault and post-fault conditions. Based on this analysis, the method to judge the fault clearance using the load current is proposed. The reclosing is adaptively performed after fault clearance. The distribution system and reclosing scheme are modelled by the electromagnetic transient program (EMTP). The various simulations according to the unbalanced ratio and various fault conditions are performed and analyzed. The superiority of the proposed scheme is verified by comparing with the conventional reclosing method.