International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive Systems (IJPEDS)
Vol 17, No 3: September 2026

Optocoupler-based closed-loop hysteresis control for buck converter: experimental results

David Estrada Grisales (Universidad Nacional de Colombia)
José Ángel Buitrago Gutiérrez (Universidad Nacional de Colombia)
Fredy E. Hoyos (Universidad Nacional de Colombia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Sep 2026

Abstract

This work experimentally evaluates a simplified closed-loop on-off (hysteresis) controller for a single-phase buck converter using an LM324 comparator and an optocoupler-based gate drive to the IRF830 MOSFET. The controller compares the output voltage against a reference and drives the switch in a binary manner, yielding variable-frequency regulation with low component count. Performance is assessed for DC-DC regulation and dynamic reference tracking under sinusoidal, triangular, and rectangular waveforms at 1 Hz and 60 Hz, as well as under input-voltage droop, load perturbations, and real-time changes in reference waveform. Results show envelope-accurate tracking with fast transients and bounded ripple across all tested conditions, including representative grid-frequency operation. The controller maintains stability and preserves waveform fidelity despite supply and load disturbances; edge transients observed for rectangular references at 60 Hz are consistent with expected output-capacitor dynamics and remain bounded. The findings support the suitability of analogue on-off hysteresis with optocoupler isolation as a low-complexity approach for applications requiring efficient DC-DC conversion and dynamic signal tracking, especially where cost, simplicity, and rapid response are prioritized.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

IJPEDS

Publisher

Subject

Control & Systems Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Description

International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive Systems (IJPEDS, ISSN: 2088-8694, a SCOPUS indexed Journal) is the official publication of the Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science (IAES). The scope of the journal includes all issues in the field of Power Electronics and drive systems. ...