Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Karimi-Ghartemani, Masoud

Committee Member

Wallace, David

Committee Member

Choi, Seungdeog

Date of Degree

8-12-2026

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Abstract

In this thesis, a nonlinear robust control strategy for DC-DC boost converters is presented to address the challenges associated with their nonlinear dynamics and non-minimum phase behavior. Boost converters are widely used in modern power electronics applications such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and DC microgrids. In recent years, the increasing demand for high-performance and reliable power conversion has highlighted the limitations of conventional linear control approaches, particularly under varying operating conditions and system uncertainties. Traditional control methods, typically based on cascaded proportional-integral (PI) controllers, rely on linearized models and specific operating points, which restrict their robustness and dynamic performance. To overcome these limitations, this work develops a simplified nonlinear control framework that directly utilizes the system dynamics without requiring linearization. The proposed controller consists of a current control loop with a single gain parameter and a voltage control mechanism based on a virtual resistance concept, significantly reducing design complexity while enhancing adaptability. A detailed stability analysis is performed using both simplified and general approaches to ensure reliable operation in a wide range of conditions. In addition, a systematic design methodology is introduced for selecting controller parameters based on system constraints and performance requirements. Simulation studies under load variations, input voltage disturbances, and parameter uncertainties are presented. The results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy achieves improved transient response, enhanced robustness, and effective current limiting compared to conventional control techniques. Furthermore, the flexibility of the voltage control mechanism enables natural power sharing in multi-converter systems, making the proposed approach well-suited for emerging DC grid and renewable energy applications. Overall, this thesis presents a simple, robust, and scalable control solution for boost converter systems.

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