Chaos: a real phenomenon in power electronics

An introductory tutorial on chaotic behavior in DC-DC convertors is presented. Chaos is characterized by an emipirical spectrum which has a continuous component, and may even have no discrete components. Chaotic behavior frequently occurs when a power converter operates in a protective mode such as in a short-circuit or overload condition. Chaotic behavior in power converters is described in terms of phase-plane (state-space) trajectories. A description is given of a particular form of buck regulator circuit without PWM (pulse-width modulation) drive and without current sensing, i.e. a form of ripple-regulator. Simulation and experimental data for the circuit are presented and discussed. Two other similar circuits exhibiting chaotic behavior are also considered