Didactic prototype for study of DC-DC converters based on the canonical switching cell

In this paper we propose the implementation of a prototype for testing of Buck, Boost, and Buck-Boost DC-DC converters. The prototype is based on the concept of canonical switching cell, thus, the converters are implemented by changing only elements external to the switching cell, that is, source and load. The proposed power circuit allows the use of different inductances. Different conditions of operation can analyzed be changing frequency and duty cycle at the command circuit. Experimental results validate the proposed circuit and demonstrate that teachers and students, using this prototype, may perform several tests to observe the actual behavior of the three converters, facilitating and improving the understanding of DC-DC converters.