A major issue with respect to VSC based systems is the propagation of harmonics to DC side loads due to AC voltage source unbalance. Standard dq-frame control techniques currently utilized offer little mitigation of these unwanted harmonics. Recently, resonant controllers have emerged as an alternative to dq-frame controllers for regulation of grid connected converters for distributed resources. Although these control systems behave somewhat similar to dq-frame controllers under balanced operating conditions, their behaviour under unbalanced operation is superior. Currently, there are no linearized state space models of resonant controlled VSC systems. This work will develop a linearized small signal state space model of a VSC system, where resonant current controllers are used for regulation of the grid currents. It will also investigate the stability of resonant controlled VSC based systems using eigenvalue analysis for HVDC applications.

A major issue with respect to VSC based systems is the propagation of harmonics to DC side loads due to AC voltage source unbalance. Standard dq-frame control techniques currently utilized offer little mitigation of these unwanted harmonics. Recently, resonant controllers have emerged as an alternative to dq-frame controllers for regulation of grid connected converters for distributed resources. Although these control systems behave somewhat similar to dq-frame controllers under balanced operating conditions, their behaviour under unbalanced operation is superior. Currently, there are no linearized state space models of resonant controlled VSC systems. This work will develop a linearized small signal state space model of a VSC system, where resonant current controllers are used for regulation of the grid currents. It will also investigate the stability of resonant controlled VSC based systems using eigenvalue analysis for HVDC applications.

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This dissertation is focused on the research efforts to develop the growth, processing, and modeling technologies for GaN-based Heterojunction Field Effect Transistors (HFETs). The interest in investigating GaN HFETs is motivated by the advantageous material properties of nitride semiconductor such as large band gap, large breakdown voltage, and high saturation velocity, which make it very promising for the high power and microwave applications. Although enormous progress has been made on GaN transistors in the past decades, the technologies for nitride transistors are still not mature, especially concerning the reliability and stability of the device. In order to improve the device performance, we first optimized the growth and fabrication procedures for the conventional AlGaN barrier HFET, on which high carrier mobility and sheet density were achieved. Second, the AlInN barrier HFET was successfully processed, with which we obtained improved I-V characteristics compared with conventional structure. The lattice-matched AlInN barrier is beneficial in the removal of strain, which leads to better carrier transport characteristics. Furthermore, new device structures have been examined, including recess-gate HFET with n+ GaN cap layer and gate-on-insulator HFET, among which the insertion of gate dielectrics helps to leverage both DC and microwave performances. In order to depict the microwave behavior of the HFET, small signal modeling approaches were used to extract the extrinsic and intrinsic parameters of the device. An 18-element equivalent circuit model for GaN HFET has been proposed, from which various extraction methods have been tested. Combining the advantages from the cold-FET measurements and hot-FET optimizations, a hybrid extraction method has been developed, in which the parasitic capacitances were attained from the cold pinch-off measurements while the rest of the parameters from the optimization routine. Small simulation error can be achieved by this method over various bias conditions, demonstrating its capability for the circuit level design applications for GaN HFET. Device physics modeling, on the other hand, can help us to reveal the underlying physics for the device to operate. With the development of quantum drift-diffusion modeling, the self-consistent solution to the Schrödinger-Poisson equations and carrier transport equations were fulfilled. Lots of useful information such as band diagram, potential profile, and carrier distribution can be retrieved. The calculated results were validated with experiments, especially on the AlInN layer structures after considering the influence from the parasitic Ga-rich layer on top of the spacer. Two dimensional cross-section simulation shows that the peak of electrical field locates at the gate edge towards the drain, and of different kinds of structures the device with gate field-plate was found to efficiently reduce the possibility of breakdown failure.

Electrical equivalent circuit modeling of active components is one of the most important approaches for modeling high-frequency high-power devices. Amongst the most used microwave devices, AlGaN/GaN HEMTs demonstrated their superior performance, making them highly suitable for 5G, wireless and satellite communications. Despite the remarkable performance of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs, these devices reside on substrates that invoke limitations on the operating-frequency, power-efficiency, and current dispersion phenomenon. Also, there is a limitation in present parameters extraction techniques being not able to consider both the substrate effect (Silicon, Silicon Carbide, and Diamond) and the asymmetrical GaN HEMT structure. In this thesis work, a single extrinsic parameters extraction technique using a single small-signal topology takes into account both the asymmetrical GaN HEMT structure and the different substrate types with their parasitic conduction will be developed and studied for the first time. Moreover, large-signal modeling using Quasi-Physical Zone Division technique has been applied to both GaN/D and GaN/SiC to model the isothermal-trapping free drain current, and combined with a new simple technique for comparing performance between active devices in terms of current-dispersion. The models were verified by simulating the small-signal S-parameters, large-signal IV characteristics, and single-tone load-pull. High accuracy was achieved compared to the measurement data available in the technical literature and obtained from fabricated devices.

The challenges imposed on Voltage Regulator Modules (VRM) become difficult to be achieved with the conventional multiphase buck converter commonly used on PC motherboards. For faster data transfer, a decrease in the output voltage is needed. This decrease causes small duty cycle that is accompanied by critical problems which impairs the efficiency. Therefore, these problems need to be addressed. Transformer-based non-isolated topologies are not new approaches to extend the duty cycle and avoid the associated drawbacks. High leakage, several added components and complicated driving and control schemes are some of the trade-offs to expand the duty cycle. The objective of this work is to present a new dc-dc buck-based topology, which extends the duty cycle with minimum drawbacks by adding two transformers that can be integrated to decrease the size and two switches with zero voltage switching (ZVS). Another issue addressed in this thesis is deriving a small signal model for a two-input two-phase buck converter as an introduction to a new evolving field of multi-input converters.

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The switching noise in a hard-switched point-of-load (POL) converter may result in false turn on, electromagnetic interference issues, or even device breakdown. A resonant cross-commutated buck (rccBuck) converter operates with low noise since all MOSFETs are turned on with zero voltage within a wide load range. A state-space model was developed to calculate the voltage gain, voltage stresses, and current stresses. Design guidelines for the rccBuck converter operating at continuous voltage mode or discontinuous voltage mode are provided. The design methodology of a one-turn inductor with significant ac and dc fluxes is given. Four fabricated one-turn inductors achieved 2.1% higher efficiency and 50% smaller total magnetic volume than the commercial inductors in the same rccBuck converter. The Omni-coupled inductors (OCI), composed of a twisted E-E core and PCB windings, further improve power density and efficiency. The core loss and inductances were modeled from a complex reluctance network. According to the loss-volume Pareto fronts, the total inductor loss was minimized within a smaller volume than that of discrete inductors. The expectations were validated by an OCI-based rccBuck converter switched at 2 MHz with 12 V input, 3.3 V at 20 A output, and peak efficiency of 96.2%. The small-signal model with a good accuracy up to half switching frequency was developed based on the averaged equivalent circuit. The transient performance of an rccBuck regulator is comparable to that of a second-order buck regulator with the same switching frequency, output capacitance, and closed-loop bandwidth. / Ph. D. / The switching noise in a hard-switched point-of-load (POL) converter may result in false turn on, electromagnetic interference issues, or even device breakdown. A resonant cross-commutated buck (rccBuck) converter operates with low noise since all MOSFETs are turned on with zero voltage within a wide load range. A state-space model was developed to calculate the voltage gain, voltage stresses, and current stresses. Design guidelines for the rccBuck converter operating at continuous voltage mode or discontinuous voltage mode are provided. The design methodology of a one-turn inductor with significant ac and dc fluxes is given. Four fabricated one-turn inductors achieved 2.1% higher efficiency and 50% smaller total magnetic volume than the commercial inductors in the same rccBuck converter. The Omni-coupled inductors (OCI), composed of a twisted E-E core and PCB windings, further improve power density and efficiency. The core loss and inductances were modeled from a complex reluctance network. According to the loss-volume Pareto fronts, the total inductor loss was minimized within a smaller volume than that of discrete inductors. The expectations were validated by an OCI-based rccBuck converter switched at 2 MHz with 12 V input, 3.3 V at 20 A output, and peak efficiency of 96.2%. The small-signal model with a good accuracy up to half switching frequency was developed based on the averaged equivalent circuit. The transient performance of an rccBuck regulator is comparable to that of a second-order buck regulator with the same switching frequency, output capacitance, and closed-loop bandwidth.

The widespread integration of power converters in applications such as microgrids and data centers has introduced significant stability challenges. This dissertation presents a novel approach to modeling and comprehensive stability analysis for both single-phase and three-phase converters, addressing vital gaps in the existing literature. The first part of the dissertation (Chapters 2 to 4) focuses on single-phase power supply units, proposing an impedance model and a loop gain model based on dq-frame analysis. These models have been validated through extensive experimental testing, demonstrating their effectiveness in stability analysis across a range of system configurations, including single-phase, three-phase three-wire, and three-phase four-wire systems. The second part (Chapters 5 and 6) examines three-phase converters used for integrating renewable energy into microgrids. It introduces a grid-forming control, followed by a detailed investigation into its impedance modeling and stability assessment. This part specifically tackles the challenges posed by the appearance of right-half-plane poles in stability analysis, proposing a new stability margin index to address these issues. The efficacy of these research findings is further substantiated by the development and implementation of a Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop testbed, providing practical validation. Overall, this dissertation has enhanced the modeling, understanding, and management of stability issues in power electronics systems, offering valuable insights and methodologies that are likely to influence future research and development in the field. / Doctor of Philosophy / Power electronics play a crucial role in many of today's advanced technologies, including Renewable Energy (like wind and solar power), Electric Vehicles, Cloud Computing, and Artificial Intelligence. In renewable energy, power electronics are key for converting energy sources for efficient grid integration. Electric vehicles rely on power converter systems for charging their batteries and driving their motors. Similarly, in Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence, power electronics ensure that the computers and servers in data centers have a steady and reliable power supply for operation. However, using these advanced power electronics on a large scale, like in wind farms or data centers, can lead to challenges, including many reported system instability issues. These issues highlight the importance of a thorough analysis and understanding of the behavior and interaction of power electronics systems. In addressing these challenges, power electronics converters, conceptualized as a blend of circuits and control systems, demand comprehensive modeling from the ground up. Such modeling is essential to understanding their behavior, ranging from individual components to the entire system. This is key to establishing a clear connection between intricate design details and overall system performance. With power electronics systems becoming more complex and the continual emergence of new technologies, there remains a significant array of unanswered questions, especially in the domain of stability analysis for AC power electronics systems. This dissertation delves into two prominent modeling methods for stability analysis: impedance modeling and loop gain modeling. By exploring and addressing specific gaps identified in prior research, this work aims to contribute to a more profound understanding and enhanced application of these critical methods. The research presented in this dissertation is methodically divided into two main sections. The first section, including Chapter 2 to Chapter 4 is dedicated to exploring single-phase converter power supply units (PSUs) systems. This section introduces innovative models for analyzing their stability, applicable to single-phase PSUs in various system configurations, including both single-phase and three-phase setups. This modeling approach is a significant step forward in understanding and enhancing the stability of single-phase PSU loads. The second section, including Chapter 5 and Chapter 6, delves into the analysis of three-phase converters used in integrating renewable energy sources into microgrids. A notable feature of these converters is their grid-forming control mechanism, which includes a new frequency and power droop control loop. This part also explores modeling the impact of these converters on microgrid stability. Moreover, the issue of right-half-plane (RHP) poles in impedance analysis- a complex problem that can affect stability analysis is addressed. It proposes innovative methods for measuring stability in such conditions. In conclusion, this research made advancements in the modeling for stability analysis of power converter systems. For single-phase converters, the developed impedance model and loop gain model, based on dq-frame analysis, have been proven to be accurate. These models are versatile for stability analysis in various AC systems with single-phase PSU loads. In the study of three-phase converters, the grid-forming converter was successfully designed to support the grid as a distributed energy resource interface. This design contributes positively to microgrid stability. Furthermore, to address the presence of RHP poles in stability analysis, a new stability margin index was defined to better understand and manage these challenges. These findings represent important steps forward in the field of power electronics and contribute valuable insights for future research and development.

With the growth of renewable energy usage and energy storage adoption in recent decades, people have started to reevaluate the possible roles of dc systems in current and future electrical systems. The dc voltage distribution has been applied in various applications, such as data centers and aircraft industry, for high efficiency and power density. However, for some applications such as subsea gas and oil fields, and ocean observatory systems, the dc current distribution is preferred over dc voltage distribution for its low cost and robustness against cable faults. Design and control of dc power distribution systems for different applications is an emerging research area with complex technical challenges. This dissertation solves the technical challenges in analysis, design, modeling, control and protection of series resonant converters (SRCs) for dc current distribution applications. An optimum design that has high efficiency, high reliability, and minimum required control efforts for the SRC with constant input current has been achieved and demonstrated by applying the analysis and design procedures developed in this dissertation. The modeling and analysis presented in this dissertation represents an operating condition that has not been studied in the literature and could be easily extended to other resonant converter topologies. Explicit analytical expressions have been provided for all key transfer functions, including input impedance and control-to-output, offering valuable resources to design feed-back regulation and to evaluate system stability. Based on the control strategies and control design presented in this dissertation, stable and reliable operation of dc current distribution systems with long distance cable has been achieved and demonstrated. The proposed analysis, design procedure, stability evaluation, control strategy and protection techniques in this dissertation can be applied to a wide range of similar scenarios as well, which greatly increases their value.