⚡ DC-DC Boost Converter: Design, Simulation, and Implementation

Course: Power Electronics Laboratory
University: University of Bologna, Cesena Campus
Academic Year: 2023/2024

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📌 Project Overview

This repository contains the complete documentation, LTspice simulation files, and analysis for a DC-DC Boost Converter project. The work covers the full development cycle: from theoretical sizing to simulation and practical implementation on a breadboard.

Project Objectives

1. Regulate an input voltage of $V_{in} = 5 V$ to a stable output voltage of $V_{o} = 10 V$.
2. Optimize efficiency across a dynamic load range.
3. Minimize switching noise and transients via a custom-designed RC Snubber.

Design Specifications:

Parameter	Value	Notes
Input Voltage ($V_{in}$)	$5 V$	Base supply voltage
Output Voltage ($V_{o}$)	$10 V$	Target voltage regulated via duty cycle
Switching Frequency ($f_{sw}$)	$25 kHz$	Operating frequency in Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM)
Inductance ($L$)	$150 \ \mu H$	Ensures CCM
Output Current Range ($I_{out}$)	$0 A - 0.9 A$	Dynamic load conditions

The full laboratory report with calculations and analysis can be found here: ➡️ Download Boost Converter Project Report (EN)

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🛠️ Tools and Software Used

Laboratory Instrumentation

The following professional instruments were employed for circuit testing and characterization:

• Bench Power Supply: Provides stable input voltage.
• Function Generator: Generates MOSFET gate drive signals.
• Electronic Load: Allows efficiency analysis under variable loads.
• Digital Oscilloscope: Monitors output ripple, switching node transients, and signal integrity.

Software

• LTspice: For component sizing, simulation, and snubber analysis.
• LaTeX: For professional technical report preparation.

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📊 Key Operational Results

Circuit Assembly and Probing

The final circuit was assembled on a breadboard. Special attention was given to probe placement and minimizing parasitic inductances on the switching node.

Efficiency Analysis

Efficiency ($E_{ff}$) was measured across the output current range. Results:

• Peak Efficiency: $E_{ff}$ ≈ 91% at $I_{out} = 0.2 A$.
• Efficiency Drop: Observed at high loads ($I_{out} \approx 0.9 A$) due to conduction and switching losses.

Signal Integrity and RC Snubber Efficacy

The RC Snubber ($R_{SNB} = 16 \ \Omega$, $C_{SNB} = 0.66 \ nF$) effectively reduced ringing on the switching node.

Signals measured (as shown in the oscilloscope capture above):

• Input Voltage: $V_{in}$ (purple)
• Output Voltage: $V_{o}$ (yellow)
• Switching Node Voltage: $V_{sw}$ (cyan/light blue)
• MOSFET Gate Drive: $V_{gate}$ (blue)

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🗂️ Repository Structure

DC-DC-Boost-Converter-Design/
│
├─ Boost_Converter_Project_Report.pdf      # Final technical report
├─ LICENSE                                 # MIT License
├─ README.md                               # This file
├─ Simulations/
│   ├─ Boost_Converter.asc                 # Boost Converter schematic
│   ├─ Boost_Converter_With_Snubber.asc    # Boost Converter with RC Snubber
│   └─ Components/
│       ├─ 1400series.lib
│       ├─ MBR760.txt
│       └─ stp16nf06l.lib
└─ Images/
    ├─ Circuit_on_Breadboard.jpg
    ├─ Laboratory_Instrumentation.jpg
    ├─ Measured_Data_Table.png
    └─ Oscilloscope_Signals.jpg

• Boost_Converter.asc → Base circuit for sizing and CCM verification
• Boost_Converter_With_Snubber.asc → Includes RC Snubber for transient suppression
• Components/ → Custom library files for non-ideal component modeling

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📜 License

• Source Code and Simulation Files: MIT License
• Technical Report and Documentation: CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International)