The measurement of frequency characteristics, like magnitude and phase, related to a specific transfer function of DC–DC converters, can be a difficult task – especially when the measured signal approaches the boundary of a small-signal model validity (i:e. 1/3 of the switching frequency fS). It is hard to find a paper where authors mention the measurement techniques they use to draw frequency characteristics. Meanwhile the presence of noise in the output signal does not enable to directly measure the gain and the phase shift between the input and output signals. In such situations additional analysis is required in order to achieve a reliable result. This paper contains a description of a few methods that can be used to analyse measured signals in order to determine the gain and the phase shift of a specific transfer function. They enable to verify mathematical models in a wide range of frequencies (up to 1/3 fS). The methods use signals measured in the time domain and can be implemented in mathematical software such as Matlab or Scilab.

The idea of revelation is closely related in theology to the concept of mediation. This article analyzes the meaning of the concept of revelation and its relation to the category of mediation in the theological thought of Paul Tillich, one of the great Protestant theologians and philosophers of the twentieth century. Tillich’s doctrine of God assumes inconceivable closeness and, at the same time, transcendence of the Ultimate Reality. However, it also assumes that God reveals Himself to man through the elements of temporal reality. The first part of the article therefore deals with Tillich’s understanding of revelation. In the next part, the question of the final form of God’s revelation, which, according to Tillich, is Jesus Christ is analyzed. Finally, in the concluding third part, the concept of revelation will be presented in the key of mediation. Through revelation, the incomprehensible God mediates in the world so that man can recognize His [God’s] closeness and presence. The revelatory mediation in this optics does not mean that the immediate closeness of God is denied but both leads to, and discloses, it.

Research related to photovoltaic panels comprises different topics starting with modelling solar cells, finding new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms, testing existing ones or designing of DC/DC converters for MPPT systems and microgrids that incorporate photovoltaic energy sources. In each of the examples above a deep knowledge of photovoltaic panels is required, as well as a reliable measurement system that can deliver continuous, stable light with enough power to meet standard test conditions (STC) and that can ensure repeatable results. Therefore this paper presents a low-cost solar simulator with a microcontroller-based measurement system, that can be used for various measurements of low-power photovoltaic panels.

Large-signal input characteristics of three DC–DC converter types: buck, boost and flyback working in the discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), obtained by precise large signal PSpice simulations, calculations based on averaged models and measurements are presented. The parasitic resistances of the converter components are included in the simulations. The specific features of the input characteristics in theDCMand the differences between the continuous conduction mode (CCM) and DCM are discussed.

Large-signal input characteristics of three DC–DC converter types: buck, boost and flyback working in the continuous conduction mode (CCM), obtained by simulations and measurements are investigated. The results of investigations are presented in the form of the analytical formulas and the exemplary results of the measurements and two forms of simulations: based on the full description of the converter components and on the averaged models. The parasitic resistances of the converter components are included in the simulations and their influence on the simulation results is discussed.