Digital Autotuning

This introduction presents an overview of the concepts discussed in this book. The book is focused on the fundamental aspects of analysis, modeling, and design of digital control loops around high-frequency switched-mode power converters in a systematic and rigorous manner. This chapter introduces the topics covered in the book and to motivate the reader to pursue the theoretical and practical concepts covered in the remaining chapters of this book. Given the focus of the book on high-frequency switched-mode power converter applications, the emphasis is on hardwired implementations of the control law, together with VHDL and Verilog coding examples. The principles that apply to software-based, microprogrammed realizations are highlighted. Practical examples illustrate applications of the techniques developed. The chapter highlights some of the gains enabled by digital control in the areas of improved dynamic responses, integration of frequency-response measurements, autotuning of digital control loops, and on-line efficiency optimization.