Discontinuous-Conduction Mode DC/DC Converters Feeding Constant-Power Loads

One of the major issues in multiconverter power-electronic systems, which exist in different land, sea, air, and space vehicles, is the stability problem imposed by constant-power loads (CPLs). The research work done in this field has been focused mainly on continuous-conduction mode of operation. In this paper, we study the case when the loaded converter operates in discontinuous-conduction mode (DCM). We prove that the open-loop DC/DC converters operating in DCM are stable when they are loaded by CPLs. Furthermore, we present that the problem of feedback design for a converter operating in DCM and loaded by a CPL can be translated into a conventional feedback-design task for the same converter with a resistive load. Simulation and experimental results verify the presented discussion.