Double-Ended Dual Magnetic DC-DC Switching Power Converter with Laminated Secondary Winding and AC-Coupled Output

Abstract

All else being equal, the double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC ("voltage doubler") topology provides twice the output voltage of a conventional topology. Voltage doublers differ in that the dual magnetic circuit secondary configurations are stacked in series compared to conventional topologies where the secondary configurations are parallel. The output current is AC coupled rather than DC coupled to the load, resulting in double the output voltage. Because of the AC coupling, the voltage doubler is configured to automatically maintain balance of the secondary capacitors. During magnetic reset, the primary winding is shorted and both synchronous rectifier switches are closed. Transformer action connects the output capacitors to the output, ensuring that charge equalization ensures that the voltages on each capacitor are equal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference to related art This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 546,642, filed December 9, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to DC-DC power conversion, and more particularly to a double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC switching power converter (SPC). [Background technology]

[0003] A DC-DC power converter is a power processing circuit that converts an unregulated DC input voltage into a regulated DC output voltage, usually at a different level, to power a load. A wide variety of topologies for DC-DC converters have been introduced over the years, not all of which are suitable for step-up or bus conversion applications. Additionally, the need for small size and high efficiency imposes further limitations on the available topologies. Small size implies high power density, which is the ratio of the output power capability to the converter's volume.

[0004] A DC-DC switching power converter (SPC) includes an energy storage section, a switching control circuit such as a pulse-width modulator (PWM), a primary switch, and a rectifier. The energy storage section generates a current and a regulated DC output voltage in response to selective application of a DC input voltage. The switching control circuit, primary switch, and rectifier control the application of the DC input voltage to the energy storage section to set the value of the regulated DC output voltage.

[0005] Power density is a key characteristic of power converters. To achieve high power density, losses must be low and the magnetic elements must be optimized. In ultra-high density power converters, the magnetic elements are typically implemented in a planar configuration to achieve the most compact size with fewer unnecessary parasitic elements. Optimizing the planar magnetics by reducing the total number of windings is desired to achieve converter performance.

[0006] Double-ended DC-DC SPCs are well known in the art and are a fundamental topology for achieving high power density. Examples include half-bridge and full-bridge converters. A feature of double-ended converters is that the input power is applied to the primary side with opposite polarity on alternate switching cycles, thereby reducing the root-mean-square (RMS) current compared to single-ended topologies.

[0007] Double-ended dual magnetic SPCs offer the benefits of conventional half-bridge and full-bridge converters with the added benefit of magnetic integration, whereby the transformer and energy storage magnetic elements are combined into dual opposed interleaved elements that are summed at the output. Because the secondary configuration of the dual magnetic circuits is parallel and the total output current is always directly coupled (DC coupled) to the output in this topology, the output capacitor acts only as a filter element and does not directly support the output voltage under any state of converter operation.

[0008] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a conventional topology for a double-ended dual-magnetic SPC 10 includes a pair of transformers T1 and T2 and a double-ended input circuit 12 (switches S1, S2, S3, and S4) for generating an AC voltage V across the primary windings 14 and 16 of the transformers T1 and T2, as in a conventional double-ended configuration. T1 and T2 are combined transformers and inductors. The second transformer T2 acts as a filter inductor for the first transformer T1 during a first on-period of the switches S1 and S4, and the first transformer T1 acts as a filter inductor for the second transformer T2 during a second on-period of the switches S2 and S3. As shown in FIG. 1B, the transformers are not ideal and include an inductance Lmag in parallel with the primary winding and a series inductance Lk. As used herein, the "primary winding current" i1 (or i2) is the current flowing through the inductance Lmag.

[0009] Each transformer T1, T2 includes a secondary winding 18 or 20, and the primary-to-secondary turns ratio N=Np / Ns of the two transformers T1, T2 may be identical. Each secondary winding 18, 20 is connected to a switch (S5, S6) to allow energy transfer as in a forward converter, and also release of stored energy as in a flyback converter. The operation of these two transformers may occur simultaneously. An output capacitor Cout 22 is connected across the load (not shown) to provide output filtering. In a conventional topology, the output voltage Vout is given by: Vout=Vin*(D / 2*N) (1) where D is the duty factor (the proportion of time that S1 is close to the signal clock period) and N is the turns ratio between the primary and secondary windings.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 6,765,810 discloses a switching pattern incorporating control of synchronous rectifier switches S5 and S6. The synchronous rectifier switches replace the conventional passive diode rectifiers in the output rectification stage, resulting in reduced losses and improved efficiency. In this particular implementation, while the primary magnetics are disconnected from the power supply Vin, the switching pattern opens all four primary switches (S1, S2, S3, S4) and closes synchronous rectifier switches S5 and S6 to reset the magnetics. Energy can circulate within the primary circuit during the reset period.

[0011] Other patterns for switching the full-bridge double-ended dual magnetic converter are possible. For example, to minimize losses during the transitions from state A to state B and from state C to state D, a pattern can be used that shorts the primary terminals of the dual opposing magnetic elements during states B and D. During states B and D, the primary terminals of T1 and T2 are shorted by closing S2 and S4. This approach better traps energy during the reset period. Other means for shorting the primary terminals of T1 and T2 can also be implemented. For example, S1 and S3 could be closed during states B and D, or the short could alternate between S1, S3 and S2, S4 on alternating cycles. Various patterns for achieving partial or complete shorting of the primary side can be developed by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The following is a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description and claims that are presented later.

[0013] The present invention provides a different topology for a double-ended, dual-magnetic DC-DC SPC, hereafter referred to as a "voltage doubler" for simplicity, which provides twice the output voltage of conventional topologies, all other things being equal. The voltage doubler differs in that the secondary configurations of the dual magnetic circuits are stacked in series, compared to conventional topologies in which the secondary configurations are parallel. When the secondary outputs are in series, the state table differs significantly in that the output capacitors (C1, C2) on each secondary winding provide energy to the output on alternate half-cycles. The voltage doubler's output current is AC-coupled to the load during states A and C, compared to when it is DC-coupled. The series configuration ensures that the output voltage Vout is split evenly on the secondary side, so that for a given set of conditions (Vin, D, and N), the output voltage Vout = Vin * (D / N) is twice that of conventional topologies.

[0014] Because the output capacitors (C1 and C2) store energy before delivering it to the load, the voltages at C1 and C2 can drift from the ideal condition of VC1 = VC2 = Vout / 2 due to, for example, differences in timing, component tolerances, and transient events at the input or output. This is not an issue in DC-coupled conventional topologies. The voltage doubler is configured to automatically maintain balance of the secondary capacitors. During states B and D, the primary winding is shorted and both synchronous rectifier switches are closed. Transformer action connects capacitors C1 and C2 to the output, and charge equalization ensures that the voltages on each capacitor are equal. Thus, charge balance between the output capacitors is automatically forced every cycle. The reset periods in states B and D are used for both magnetic reset and output capacitor charge balancing.

[0015] In one embodiment, a "conversion cell" includes a transformer having a primary winding and at least one secondary winding, each winding connected across a pair of terminals. Each secondary winding is connected to an output capacitor and a synchronous rectifier switch (SRS) to form a loop. The voltage doubler includes first and second conversion sections, each containing one or more conversion cells that can be separated, paralleled, serially connected, or a combination thereof to support multiple outputs, increased power delivered to a load, or increased voltage. The first and second sections are "stacked" to serially connect the primary windings and increase the effective output capacitance across one or more outputs.

[0016] The control circuit controls the primary switches to generate the AC input voltage Vin across the series-connected primary windings in states A and C, and to disconnect the input voltage Vin and short-circuit the primary windings in states B and D. In states A and C, the control circuit switches the synchronous rectifier switches of the first and second transformer sections in opposite directions to alternately connect the secondary windings to the output, AC-couple the secondary winding current through the effective output capacitances C1eff and C2eff, and provide an output current at each output on alternate half cycles of the AC input voltage Vin such that the output voltage Vout = VC1eff + VC2eff. In states B and D, the control circuit closes both synchronous rectifier switches to connect the effective output capacitances C1eff and C2eff to the output, equalizing the voltages VC1eff and VC2eff. Vout = Vin * (D / Neff), where D is the duty cycle and Neff is the effective turns ratio of the first and second transformers.

[0017] In the basic topology, each transformer section includes a single transformer cell with a single secondary winding. Output capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in series across the single output to produce Vout = VC1 + VC2 = Vin * (D / N), where N is the turns ratio of the first and second transformers.

[0018] In another embodiment, the voltage doubler is configured to generate O outputs (O>1) from a single pair of transformers T1 and T2. Each transformer section includes a single converter cell with P=O secondary windings. The P loops in the first and second sections are "stacked" and connected in series to generate Vout(i)=VC(i)+VC2(i), for i=1 to O. The output voltages may be the same or different depending on the number of turns in each secondary winding. In this configuration, a single transformer pair is used to power multiple loads. Each load can draw power as needed, as long as the total load power does not exceed the power rating of the voltage doubler. Alternatively, the voltage doubler can be configured using a converter cell with a single secondary winding (P=1), supporting O outputs by adding additional transformer pairs.

[0019] In another embodiment, the voltage doubler is configured to increase the output power that can be delivered to the load at Vout. Each conversion section includes Q conversion cells, each with a single secondary winding. The Q loops are connected in parallel within a given conversion section, allowing the Q transformers to provide additional current through effective capacitance, delivering more power to the load. Additionally, splitting the power among multiple transformers reduces losses. Alternatively, the output power delivered to the load may remain unchanged, but each conversion cell is only required to provide ½Q of the output power.

[0020] In another embodiment, the voltage doubler is configured to increase the output voltage Vout that can be supplied to a load. Each conversion section includes R conversion cells, each with a single secondary winding. R loops are connected in series within a given conversion section, and R transformers supply current through effective capacitances to multiply the voltage generated by each conversion section by R. If one conversion cell per section generates the output voltage Vout, this configuration produces an output voltage Vout*=R*Vout. Alternatively, Vout could remain constant, but each conversion cell would only need to provide ½R*Vout.

[0021] In a common topology, each of the conversion sections may contain (O / P)*Q*R conversion cells that may be separated, connected in parallel, connected in series, or a combination thereof within each conversion section to support O outputs of increased power delivered to the load or increased output voltage delivered to the load. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1A] As mentioned above, this is a schematic diagram of a known embodiment of a double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC switching power converter (SPC) in which the output current is DC coupled to the output. [Figure 1B] As mentioned above, this is a schematic diagram of a known embodiment of a double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC switching power converter (SPC) in which the output current is DC coupled to the output. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a voltage doubler in which the secondary windings are stacked and the output current is AC coupled to the output. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a state diagram for an embodiment of a voltage doubler in which the secondary windings are stacked and the output current is AC coupled to the output. [Figure 2C] 1 is an exemplary switching pattern for one embodiment of a voltage doubler in which the secondary winding is stacked and the output current is AC coupled to the output. [Figure 3] 2B is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of the voltage doubler shown in FIG. 2A in state A. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of the voltage doubler shown in FIG. 2 in state B. [Figure 5] 1 is a table of alternative switching patterns that provide three modes of operation. [Figure 6] 1 is an embodiment of a converter cell including a single transformer with a single primary winding and P secondary windings. [Figure 7]An embodiment of a voltage doubler in which a pair of P=2 conversion cells is configured to generate a pair of output voltages from a single transformer pair. [Figure 8] 1 is a voltage doubler embodiment in which P=1 converter cells are connected in parallel to introduce an additional transformer pair and increase the output power delivered to the load at Vout. [Figure 9] A voltage doubler embodiment in which P=1 converter cells are connected in series to introduce an additional transformer pair and increase Vout at the load. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention provides a different topology for a double-ended, dual-magnetic DC-DC SPC, hereafter referred to as a "voltage doubler" for simplicity, which provides twice the output voltage of conventional topologies, all other conditions being equal. The voltage doubler differs in that the secondary configurations of the dual magnetic circuits are stacked in series, compared to conventional topologies in which the secondary configurations are parallel. When the secondary outputs are in series, the state table differs significantly in that the output capacitors (C1, C2) on each secondary winding provide energy to the output on alternate half-cycles. The voltage doubler's output current is AC-coupled to the load during states A and C, compared to when it is DC-coupled. The series configuration ensures that the output voltage Vout is split evenly on the secondary side, so that for a given set of conditions (Vin, D, and N), the output voltage Vout = Vin * (D / N) is twice that of conventional topologies.

[0024] Because the output capacitors (C1 and C2) store energy before delivering it to the load, the voltages at C1 and C2 can drift from the ideal condition of VC1 = VC2 = Vout / 2 due to, for example, differences in timing, component tolerances, and transient events at the input or output. This is not an issue in DC-coupled conventional topologies. The voltage doubler is configured to automatically maintain balance of the secondary capacitors. During states B and D, the primary winding is shorted and both synchronous rectifier switches are closed. Transformer action connects capacitors C1 and C2 to the output, and charge equalization ensures that the voltages on each capacitor are equal. Thus, charge balance between the output capacitors is automatically forced every cycle. The reset periods in states B and D are used for both magnetic reset and output capacitor charge balancing.

[0025] A "conversion cell" includes a transformer with a primary winding and at least one secondary winding, each connected across a pair of terminals. Each secondary winding is connected to an output capacitor and a synchronous rectifier switch (SRS) to form a secondary loop. A voltage doubler includes first and second conversion sections, each containing one or more conversion cells that can be separated, paralleled, serially connected, or a combination thereof to support multiple outputs, increased power delivered to a load, or increased voltage. The first and second sections are "stacked" to serially connect the primary windings and increase the effective output capacitance across one or more outputs.

[0026] 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, and 4, a basic topology embodiment of a voltage doubler 100 includes a pair of stacked transformation sections 102 and 104 for generating an AC voltage Vin that is converted to a DC output voltage Vout at an output 108 to power a load (not shown), according to a conventional double-ended configuration, and a double-ended input circuit 106 (switches S1, S2, S3, and S4). Each of the transformation sections 102 and 104 includes another transformation cell 110 and 112, respectively (only one in this configuration). The transformation cell 110 includes a first transformer T1 having a primary winding 114 and a secondary winding 116. A secondary loop 118 connects the secondary winding 116, the output capacitor C1, and SRSS5. The transformation cell 112 includes a second transformer T2 having a primary winding 120 and a secondary winding 122. The secondary loop 124 connects the secondary winding 122, the output capacitor C2, and SRSS5. C1 and C2 are preferably, but not necessarily, equal. The turns ratio N=Np / Ns (where Np is the primary winding and Ns is the secondary winding) is the same for both cells. By convention, each of the primary and secondary windings may be a single winding or a combination of parallel and series windings. The transformer sections 102 and 104 are "stacked" to connect the primary windings 114 and 120 in series and the output capacitors C1 and C2 in series between the output 108 and ground.

[0027] T1 and T2 are a combination of a transformer and an inductor. The second transformer T2 acts as a filter inductor for the first transformer T1 during the first on-period of switches S1 and S4, and the first transformer T1 acts as a filter inductor for the second transformer T2 during the second on-period of switches S2 and S3. As previously shown in Figure 1B, the transformer is not ideal and includes an inductance Lmag in parallel with the primary winding and an inductance Lk in series with the primary winding. The "primary winding current" i1 (or i2), as defined previously, is the current flowing through the inductance Lmag.

[0028] Secondary winding currents i3 and i4 flow through secondary windings 116 and 122, respectively, and i5 and i6 flow through output capacitors C1 and C2, respectively, forming load current i7 at output 108.

[0029] Generally, there are three modes of operation that can be described by four states, A, B, C, and D, as shown in state table 126 of Figure 2B. The basic modes are: 1: connecting the input power supply Vin to the dual opposing magnetic primary winding with a predetermined polarity while the secondary winding connects to the associated output capacitor through a closed secondary switch; 2: shorting the primary winding while simultaneously connecting both secondary windings to the associated output capacitor through a closed secondary switch; and 3: the same as mode 1, but with the polarity reversed, with the opposite secondary winding connected to the associated output capacitor through a closed secondary switch. A cycle consists of four states: mode 1 followed by mode 2, then mode 3, then mode 2, then mode 1, and so on.

[0030] The control circuit 126 controls the switches S1, S2, S3, and S4 to generate the AC input voltage Vin across the series-connected primary windings in states A and C, and to disconnect the input voltage Vin and short-circuit the primary windings in states B and D.

[0031] In States A and C, the control circuit alternately switches the synchronous rectifier switches of the first and second conversion sections to alternately connect the secondary windings to the output, AC-coupling the secondary winding currents (e.g., i3 / 2 and i4 / 2) through effective output capacitors C1 and C2 to provide an output current i7 at the output 108 on alternating half-cycles of the AC input voltage Vin, such that the output voltage Vout = VC1 + VC2. As shown in FIG. 3, the equivalent circuit 130 of the voltage doubler in State A shows that ½ Vout is supported by output capacitor C1 (VC1 = Vout / 2), with AC-coupled load current i7 = i5 = i4 / 2 supplied by current source 132 of secondary winding current i4 through output capacitor C1, which provides the other half. Half of the secondary winding current i4 is used as current i6 to recharge output capacitor C2 and returns to i4, and half of the secondary winding current i4 is supplied to the load and returns as i5 to discharge output capacitor C1 and returns to i4. In state C, the equivalent circuit is inverted, with C2 supporting 1 / 2Vout and AC-coupled load current i7 = i6 = i3 / 2 providing the other half. Thus, compared to conventional topologies, the voltage doubler's output current is AC-coupled to the load during states A and C.

[0032] Thus, the voltage doubler provides an output voltage Vout that is twice that of the conventional topology, i.e., Vout=Vin*(D / N) (2) where D is the duty ratio and N is the turns ratio of the first and second transformers. All else being equal, voltage doubler 100 produces an output voltage Vout that is twice that of a conventional topology. For a constant power, the delivered load current is half that of a conventional topology.

[0033] In states B and D, the control circuit closes both synchronous rectifier switches, connecting output capacitors C1 and C2 to the output 108 and equalizing voltages V and V. The transformer action connects capacitors C1 and C2 to the output, and charge equalization equalizes the voltages on each capacitor. Thus, charge balance between the output capacitors is automatically enforced every cycle. The reset periods in states B and D are used for both magnetic reset and output capacitor charge balancing. As shown in FIG. 4, the voltage doubler equivalent circuit 140 for states B or D shows that during states B or D, output capacitors C1 and C2 are connected through the effective leakage inductance 142 of transformers T1 and T2, with current source 144 equal to (i3 + i4) / 4 supplying load current i7 through (Lk*2) / N2. C1 and C2 are connected in series to form Vout, which resets the capacitor voltages and resets any charge imbalance between the two output capacitors.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2C, one embodiment of a switching pattern 150 that can be applied to the voltage doubler 100 to generate the state table 126 is shown.

[0035] In state A, switches S1, S4, and S6 are on (closed) and switches S2, S3, and S5 are off (open), allowing a secondary winding current equal to the sum of the primary winding currents (i4 = i1 + i2) to flow through secondary winding 122. Half of this current is AC-coupled through output capacitor C2 to the output, where Vout = VC1 + VC2.

[0036] In states B and D, switches S2, S4, S5, and S6 are on (closed) and switches S1 and S3 are off (open), disconnecting the input voltage Vin and shorting the primary windings 114 and 120. Closing SRS switches S5 and S6 connects output capacitors C1 and C2 to the output and provides a load current i7 = (i3 + i4) / 4 equal to the sum of the secondary currents divided by 2, equalizing voltages VC1 and VC2 and establishing any charge imbalance between the capacitors.

[0037] In state C, switches S2, S3, and S5 are on (closed) and switches S1, S4, and S6 are off (open), which applies an input voltage of opposite polarity to the primary winding, causing a secondary winding current equal to the sum of the primary winding currents (i3 = i1 + i2) to flow through secondary winding 126. Half of this current is AC-coupled to the output, which is (Vout = VC1 + VC2), through output capacitor C2.

[0038] There are many different permutations of switching patterns supporting three different modes and four states, a number of which are shown in table 160 of FIG. 5 for voltage doubler topologies considering the transformer dot notations identified in the various diagrams. These are configured in different or alternating ways to cycle S1, S2, S3, and S4 to achieve alternating polarity followed by a short circuit condition. Additionally, patterns can be modified depending on the transformer dot notation. For example, in the dot notation shown in FIG. 2A, the primary junction of T1 and T2 is at Vout, and during state A (S6 closed and S5 open), a voltage of Vin - Vout is applied to the primary of T1 and a voltage of Vout is applied to the primary of T2. The transformer dot notation can be modified such that in the state A configuration with S6 open and S5 closed, a voltage of Vout is applied to the primary of T1 and a voltage of Vin - Vout is applied to the primary of T2. In this case, the primary junction of T1 and T2 becomes a square wave, and in states A and C the voltage is Vin-Vout, and in states B and D the voltage is Vout.

[0039] The basic voltage divider topology shown in Figure 2A can be extended or generalized to provide multiple outputs with the same or different Vout, to provide more power at each output, to provide higher output voltages Vout at each output, or combinations thereof. This is accomplished by providing multiple conversion cells in each conversion section and connecting the cells between sections (multiple outputs) or in parallel or series within a section (power or voltage boost).

[0040] 6, converter cell 200 includes a single transformer 202 with a single primary winding 204 and P (P is an integer greater than or equal to 1) secondary windings 206. The cell includes P secondary loops 208, each connecting one of secondary winding 206, output capacitor 210, and SRS 212. Package 214 includes a pair of terminals 1 and 2 on either side of primary winding 204, a pair of terminals 3 and 4 on either side of output capacitor 210 in the first secondary loop, a pair of terminals 5 and 6 on either side of output capacitor 210 in the second secondary loop, etc.

[0041] To form the basic topology of the voltage doubler shown in Figure 2A, a single pair of P=1 converter cells is stacked, with terminal 2 of the first converter cell connected to terminal 2 of the second converter cell to form a series connection of the primary converter cells, and terminal 3 of the first converter cell connected to terminal 3 of the second converter cell to form a series connection of the output capacitors. Terminal 4 of the first converter cell is connected to ground, and terminal 4 of the second converter cell provides the output. A switching network can be connected to terminal 1 of both cells and driven to generate Vout=VC1+VC2=Vin*(D / N) at the output.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 7, in another embodiment, a voltage doubler 220 is configured to generate O outputs (O=2 in this example) from a single pair of transformers T1 and T2. Each converter section 222, 224 includes a single converter cell 200 with P=O=2 secondary windings. The two secondary loops in each of the first section 222 and second section 224 are "stacked" and series-connected when driven by a switching network 226 to generate Vout(i)=VC(i)+VC2(i) for i=1 to O. In this configuration, a single transformer pair is used to power multiple loads. Each load can draw power as needed, as long as the total load power does not exceed the power rating of the voltage doubler.

[0043] For example, terminal 2 of the converter cell in converter section 222 is connected to terminal 2 of the converter cell in converter section 224, connecting the primary windings in series. Terminal 4 of the converter cell in converter section 222 is connected to terminal 3 of the converter cell in converter section 224, connecting the first secondary loops in each cell in series and providing a first output at terminal 3 of the converter cell in converter section 222. Terminal 6 of the converter cell in converter section 222 is connected to terminal 5 of the converter cell in converter section 224, connecting the second secondary loops in each cell in series and providing a second output at terminal 5 of the converter cell in converter section 222. The output voltages Vout_1 and Vout_2 may be the same or different depending on the number of turns in each secondary winding.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, the voltage doubler 230 is configured to increase the output power that can be delivered to a load without sacrificing Vout. Each transformation section 232, 234 includes Q transformation cells 200, each with a single secondary winding, where Q=2 in this example. The Q secondary loops are connected in parallel within a given transformation section. The transformation sections are "stacked" to serially connect the primary windings and parallel combinations with effective capacitances C1eff and C2eff. When driven by the switching network 236, the Q transformers supply additional current to each secondary loop via the effective capacitances C1eff and C2eff to deliver more power to the load without sacrificing the output voltage Vout. Additionally, splitting the power among multiple transformers reduces losses. Alternatively, the output power delivered to the load may remain unchanged, but each transformation cell only needs to provide ½Q of the output power.

[0045] For example, in converter section 232, terminal 2 of the upper converter cell 200 is connected to terminal 1 of the lower converter cell 200, and in converter section 234, terminal 1 of the upper converter cell 200 is connected to terminal 2 of the lower converter cell 200, connecting the primary windings in series. In each converter section, all of the terminals 3 of the converter cells are connected together, and all of the terminals 4 are connected together, connecting the cells in each section in parallel. The output Vout is available at the connection of all terminals 3 of converter section 232, and terminal 4 of converter section 234 is grounded.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 9 , in another embodiment, a voltage doubler 240 is configured to increase the output voltage Vout that can be delivered to a load. Each conversion section 242, 244 includes R conversion cells, each with a single secondary winding, where R=2 in this example. Two secondary loops are connected in series within a given conversion section. The conversion sections 242, 244 are "stacked" to serially connect the primary windings and serially connect all four secondary loops. When driven by a switching network 246, the R transformers in each section supply current through each secondary loop and effective capacitance, multiplying the voltage generated by each conversion section by R. If one conversion cell per section generates the output voltage Vout, this configuration produces an output voltage Vout*=R*Vout. Alternatively, Vout could remain unchanged, but each conversion cell would only need to provide ½R*Vout.

[0047] For example, terminals 1 and 2 can be connected in the same manner as shown in Figure 8, connecting the primary windings in series. In each converter section, the output is taken at terminal 3 of the upper converter cell 200, and terminal 4 is connected to terminal 3 of the lower converter cell 200. The secondary loop is connected in series between the converter sections by connecting open terminal 4 from converter section 242 with open terminal 3 from converter section 244. The output is taken at terminal 3 from converter section 242, and terminal 4 from converter section 244 is grounded.

[0048] In a common topology, each of the conversion sections may contain (O / P)*Q*R conversion cells that may be separated, connected in parallel, connected in series, or a combination thereof within each conversion section to support O outputs of increased power delivered to the load or increased output voltage delivered to the load.

[0049] While several illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternative embodiments are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. first and second converter cells, each including a transformer T1 or T2 having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and an output capacitor C1 or C2 and a synchronous rectifier switch S1 or S2 connected in a secondary loop to the secondary winding, the first and second converter cells being stacked such that the primary windings are connected in series and the output capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in series across the output; an input circuit including a plurality of primary switches coupled to the series-connected primary windings; a control circuit for controlling the plurality of primary switches to generate an AC input voltage Vin across the series connected primary windings in states A and C, and to disconnect the input voltage Vin and short out the primary windings in states B and D; In states A and C, the control circuit switches the synchronous rectifier switches S1 and S2 in opposite directions to alternately connect the secondary winding to the output to AC couple secondary winding current through output capacitors C1 and C2 on alternate half cycles of the AC input voltage Vin to provide output current to the output such that output voltage Vout=VC1+VC2, where VC1 and VC2 are the voltages of the output capacitors C1 and C2, respectively; In states B and D, the control circuit closes both synchronous rectifier switches to connect the output capacitors C1 and C2 to the output and equalize voltages VC1 and VC2; Vout=Vin*(D / N), where D is the duty ratio defined as the ratio of the total time in states A and C divided by the time of a complete switching cycle consisting of states A, B, C, and D, and N is the turns ratio of the first and second transformers; In states B and D, the output capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in series through the effective leakage inductances of transformers T1 and T2 to form Vout, equalize VC1 and VC2, and reset any charge imbalance between the output capacitors C1 and C2.

2. A double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC as described in claim 1, wherein the capacitance of the output capacitor C1 is equal to the capacitance of the output capacitor C2.

3. 2. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 1, wherein in states A and C, with synchronous rectifier switch S1 or S2 open, the output capacitor C1 or C2 provides half of the output voltage Vout, and with synchronous rectifier switch S1 or S2 closed, the secondary winding current is AC coupled through the opposing output capacitor C1 or C2 to provide the other half of the output voltage Vout, where VC1=VC2=Vout / 2.

4. 2. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 1, wherein each transformer T1 and T2 includes P secondary windings, where P>1, each secondary winding connected to an output capacitor C1 or C2 and a synchronous rectifier switch S1 or S2 in a secondary loop, the P secondary loops in the first and second converter cells respectively being stacked and series connected to series connect effective output capacitances C1(i) ​​and C2(i), for i=1 to P, to generate an output voltage Vout(i)=VC1(i)+VC2(i) across each of the P outputs, where VC1(i) ​​and VC2(i) are the voltages of the effective output capacitances C1(i) ​​and C2(i), respectively.

5. a first conversion section including Q>1 first conversion cells with the primary windings connected in series and the secondary loops connected in parallel to provide an effective output capacitance Ceff1; a second conversion section including Q second conversion cells in which the primary windings are connected in series and the secondary loops are connected in parallel to provide an effective output capacitance Ceff2; 2. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 1, wherein the first and second transformation sections are stacked to connect all the primary windings in series and connect the effective output capacitances Ceff1 and Ceff2 in series to generate an output voltage Vout=VCeff1+VCeff2, where VCeff1 and VCeff2 are voltages of the effective output capacitances Ceff1 and Ceff2, respectively.

6. a first conversion section including R>1 first conversion cells having the primary windings connected in series and the secondary loops connected in series to provide an effective output capacitance Ceff1; a second conversion section including R second conversion cells in which the primary windings are connected in series and the secondary loops are connected in series, the R second conversion cells providing an effective output capacitance Ceff2; 2. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 1, wherein the first and second transformation sections are stacked to connect all the primary windings in series and connect the effective output capacitances Ceff1 and Ceff2 in series to generate an output voltage Vout=VCeff1+VCeff2, where VCeff1 and VCeff2 are voltages of the effective output capacitances Ceff1 and Ceff2, respectively.

7. first and second conversion sections, each conversion section including at least one conversion cell, each conversion cell including a transformer having a primary winding and at least one secondary winding, one or more secondary loops each connecting one secondary winding, an output capacitor, and a synchronous rectifier switch, each conversion section including one or more secondary loops connected in parallel or in series to define effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) and Ceff2(i) of one or more outputs i, the first and second conversion sections stacked to series connect the primary windings and series connect the effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) and Ceff2(i) across the respective outputs; an input circuit including a plurality of primary switches coupled to the series-connected primary windings; a control circuit for controlling the plurality of primary switches to generate an AC input voltage Vin across the series connected primary windings in states A and C, and to disconnect the input voltage Vin and short out the primary windings in states B and D; In states A and C, the control circuit switches the synchronous rectifier switches of the first and second conversion sections oppositely to alternately connect the secondary windings to the outputs, AC-couples secondary winding currents through effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) and Ceff2(i) on alternate half cycles of the AC input voltage Vin, and provides output currents to each of the one or more outputs such that output voltage Vout(i)=VCeff1(i)+VCeff2(i), where VCeff1(i) and VCeff2(i) are voltages of the effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) and Ceff2(i), respectively; In states B and D, the control circuit closes both synchronous rectifier switches to connect the effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) and Ceff2(i) to the respective outputs to equalize voltages VCeff1(i) and VCeff2(i); Vout(i) = Vin * (D / Neff(i)), where D is the duty ratio defined as the total time in states A and C divided by the time of the entire switching cycle consisting of states A, B, C, and D, and Neff(i) is the effective turns ratio of the transformer for each output; In states B and D, the effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) and Ceff2(i) are connected together through the effective leakage inductance of the transformer, equalizing VCeff1(i) and VCeff2(i) and resetting the charge imbalance between the effective output capacitances Ceff1 and Ceff2.

8. 8. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 7, wherein in states A and C, with synchronous rectifier switch S1 or S2 open, the effective output capacitance Ceff1 or Ceff2 provides half of the output voltage Vout(i), and with synchronous rectifier switch S1 or S2 closed, the secondary winding current is AC-coupled through the opposing effective output capacitance Ceff1 or Ceff2 to provide the other half of the output voltage Vout, and VCeff1(i)=VCeff2(i)=Vout(i) / 2.

9. 8. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 7, wherein each transformer includes a plurality of secondary windings, each secondary winding connected to an output capacitor C1 or C2 and a synchronous rectifier switch S1 or S2 in a secondary loop, and wherein corresponding secondary loops in the first and second transformation sections are stacked and series-connected, respectively, to series-connect effective output capacitances C1(i) ​​and C2(i), and generate an output voltage Vout(i)=VC1(i)+VC2(i) for each of a plurality of outputs, where VC1(i) ​​and VC2(i) are voltages across the effective output capacitances C1(i) ​​and C2(i), respectively.

10. a first conversion section including a plurality of first conversion cells, the primary windings of which are connected in series and the secondary loops of which are connected in parallel, providing an effective output capacitance Ceff1; a second conversion section including the same plurality of second conversion cells with the primary windings connected in series and the secondary loops connected in parallel to provide an effective output capacitance Ceff2; 8. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 7, wherein the first and second transformation sections are stacked to connect all of the primary windings in series and connect the effective output capacitances Ceff1 and Ceff2 in series to generate an output voltage Vout=VCeff1+VCeff2.

11. a first conversion section including a plurality of first conversion cells, the primary windings of which are connected in series and the secondary loops of which are connected in series, providing an effective output capacitance Ceff1; a second conversion section including the same plurality of second conversion cells in which the primary windings are connected in series and the secondary loops are connected in series to provide an effective output capacitance Ceff2; 8. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 7, wherein the first and second transformation sections are stacked to connect all of the primary windings in series and connect the effective output capacitances Ceff1 and Ceff2 in series to generate an output voltage Vout=VCeff1+VCeff2.

12. first and second conversion sections, each conversion section including at least one conversion cell, each conversion cell including a transformer having a primary winding and P secondary windings, each of the P secondary loops connecting one secondary winding, an output capacitor, and a synchronous rectifier switch, each conversion section including Q secondary loops connected in parallel and R secondary loops connected in series with each of the Q secondary loops, defining effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) and Ceff2(i), for i=1 to O, for each of O outputs, O, P, Q, and R are integers greater than or equal to 1, the first and second conversion sections being stacked to series connect the primary windings and series connect effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) and Ceff2(i) across each of the O outputs; an input circuit including a plurality of primary switches coupled to the series-connected primary windings; a control circuit for controlling the plurality of primary switches to generate an AC input voltage Vin across the series connected primary windings in states A and C, and to disconnect the input voltage Vin and short out the primary windings in states B and D; In states A and C, the control circuit switches the synchronous rectifier switches of the first and second conversion sections oppositely to alternately connect the secondary windings to the outputs, AC-couples secondary winding currents through effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) and Ceff2(i) on alternate half cycles of the AC input voltage Vin, and provides output currents to each of the O outputs such that output voltage Vout(i)=VCeff1(i)+VCeff2(i), where VCeff1(i) and VCeff2(i) are voltages of the effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) and Ceff2(i), respectively; In states B and D, the control circuit closes both synchronous rectifier switches to connect the effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) and Ceff2(i) to their respective outputs, equalizing voltages VCeff1(i) and VCeff2(i); Vout(i)=Vin*(D / Neff(i)), where D is the duty ratio defined as the ratio of the total time in states A and C divided by the time of the entire switching cycle consisting of states A, B, C, and D, and Neff(i) is the effective turns ratio of the transformer for each of the O outputs; In states B and D, the effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) or Ceff2(i) are connected to each other through the effective leakage inductance of a transformer, and the transformer equalizes VC1 and VC2 to reset the charge imbalance between the effective output capacitances Ceff1(i) or Ceff2(i).

13. 13. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 12, wherein in states A and C, the effective output capacitance Ceff1(i) or Ceff2(i) with synchronous rectifier switch S1 or S2 open provides half of the output voltage Vout(i), and the secondary winding current with synchronous rectifier switch S1 or S2 closed is AC-coupled through the opposing effective output capacitance Ceff1(i) or Ceff2(i) to provide the other half of the output voltage Vout(i), and VCeff1(i)=VCeff2(i)=Vout(i) / 2.

14. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 12, wherein O=P=Q=R=1.

15. 13. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 12, wherein P=O>1, each secondary winding is connected in a secondary loop to an output capacitor and a synchronous rectifier switch S1 or S2, and the P secondary loops in the first and second transformer sections are stacked and series-connected across O outputs, respectively.

16. 13. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 12, wherein Q>1 and each transformer section includes a plurality of Q transformer cells with the primary windings connected in series and the secondary loops connected in parallel.

17. 13. The double-ended dual magnetic DC-DC SPC of claim 12, wherein R>1 and each transformer section includes a plurality of R transformer cells having the primary windings connected in series and the secondary loops connected in series.

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