On the maximum regulation range in boost and buck-boost converters

Two types of instability conditions in boost and buck-boost converters with a feedback loop are analyzed by means of the steady-state characteristic and dynamic small-signal modeling. Type I instability involves a drastic voltage drop, and in Type II instability, a limit-cycle oscillation arises and the output voltage oscillates at low frequencies. The maximum regulation range is derived analytically for the load variation and verified experimentally. For high feedback gain, it is determined by the Type II instability condition, whereas for low feedback gain, it is determined by the Type I instability condition. Type II instability can be suppressed by decreasing the reactor inductance or by increasing the capacitance of a smoothing capacitor. However, Type I instability is found to be independent of these values.