Comprehensive Signal Modeling for Talkative Power Conversion

Talkative power conversion (TPC) is a switching ripple communication technique that integrates data modulation into a switched-mode power electronics converter, enabling simultaneous information transmission and power conversion. Despite numerous research papers published over the last decade on various theoretical and practical aspects of this emerging topic, thorough signal modeling suitable for analysis, computer simulations and the development of suitable receiver architectures is still lacking. In this article, we derive the continuous-time output voltage of a DC/DC switched-mode power electronics converter for a broad range of pulsed-based modulation schemes. We also develop corresponding discrete-time signal models and assess their accuracies. Finally, we devise a generic end-to-end signal model for arbitrary modulation signals, discuss implications of continuous-time and discrete-time signal modeling on equalization, and consider generalizations to include parasitic effects as well as the influence of general impedance loads. This is the first time that comprehensive continuous- and discrete-time signal models are presented for TPC, including also general settings. In particular, the signal models take the initial values of all relevant variables into account and are therefore able to fully capture transient start-up behavior. Our signal modeling approach therefore provides a common framework for the fields of power electronics and communications engineering and can serve as a basis for system modeling regarding TPC system design, circuit design, evaluations, and optimizations.