This code example showcases a DC/DC buck converter using the RAK-GAN board from Rutronik System Solutions.
- ModusToolbox® software v3.8 or later (tested with v3.8)
- The latest hardware release: RAK-GAN Rev. 1.
- 10V .. 48V DC Power Supply, 25A max.
- At least 2.5 mm2 (14 AWG) Power Cables for full load.
- GNU Arm® Embedded Compiler v14.2.1 (
GCC_ARM) - Default value ofTOOLCHAIN
Create the project and open it using one of the following:
In Eclipse IDE for ModusToolbox™ software
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Click the New Application link in the Quick Panel (or, use File > New > ModusToolbox™ Application). This launches the Project Creator tool.
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Pick a kit supported by the code example from the list shown in the Project Creator - Choose Board Support Package (BSP) dialogue.
When you select a supported kit, the example is reconfigured automatically to work with the kit. To work with a different supported kit later, use the Library Manager to choose the BSP for the supported kit. You can use the Library Manager to select or update the BSP and firmware libraries used in this application. To access the Library Manager, click the link from the Quick Panel.
You can also just start the application creation process again and select a different kit.
If you want to use the application for a kit not listed here, you may need to update the source files. If the kit does not have the required resources, the application may not work.
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In the Project Creator - Select Application dialogue, choose the example by enabling the checkbox.
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(Optional) Change the suggested New Application Name.
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The Application(s) Root Path defaults to the Eclipse workspace which is usually the desired location for the application. If you want to store the application in a different location, you can change the Application(s) Root Path value. Applications that share libraries should be in the same root path.
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Click Create to complete the application creation process.
For more details, see the Eclipse IDE for ModusToolbox™ software user guide (locally available at {ModusToolbox™ software install directory}/docs_{version}/mt_ide_user_guide.pdf).
If a power input of 10V to 48V is supplied to VIN, the output voltage VOUT will rise according to the ramp setting up to 5V. The input voltage, output current and GaN bridge temperature are constantly monitored in the buck.h buck_scheduled_adc_callback. If any of these parameters reaches a certain limit, a protection is triggered, and the buck converter is stopped. Once the conditions return to normal, the buck converter can be started by pressing the USER_BTN. In addition to software-controlled protection, CSG output overcurrent protection is enabled and will stop the buck converter if DCOUT_I_LIMIT_COMP is reached. The basic parameters of the buck converter are also written to the UART every 500ms:
The parameters of the buck controller are configured using Device Configurator and Launch Power Conversion Configurator tools. Both tools are ready for launch from Quick Panel’s BSP Configurators tab.
If you have successfully imported the example, the debug configurations are already prepared to use with the JLink. Open the ModusToolbox™ perspective and find the Quick Panel. Click the desired debug launch configuration, then wait for programming to complete and debugging to start.
WARNING: It is not recommended to start debugging while the buck converter is in operation. Always switch off the input power supply before programming the target. Once the debugger is ready, turn on the power supply and debug the application as usual.
The evaluation board including the software is for testing purposes only and, because it has limited functions and limited resilience, is not suitable for permanent use under real conditions. If the evaluation board is nevertheless used under real conditions, this is done at one’s responsibility; any liability of Rutronik is insofar excluded.
