Multi-Level Parallel Power Converter with Autotransformer

The patent employs periodic switching action at optimized frequencies for each parallel switching circuit. By distributing the switching events across multiple parallel circuits operating at lower individual frequencies, the overall regulation bandwidth is maintained through coordinated switching patterns, while each circuit experiences fewer switching transitions per unit time, reducing total switching losses compared to a single high-frequency circuit.

The magnetic core with multiple windings acts as an intermediary that combines the outputs of parallel switching circuits. This magnetic coupling allows for voltage regulation and filtering without requiring high switching frequencies, as the magnetic core naturally smooths the combined output from multiple lower-frequency switching circuits, reducing the need for additional high-frequency switching to achieve the same regulation performance.

The high voltage handling capability is achieved by segmenting the voltage across multiple parallel switching circuits, each with fewer semiconductor devices in series. Instead of using a single series string of many high-voltage semiconductors, the voltage is distributed across multiple parallel paths, each containing fewer devices. This segmentation reduces conduction losses and current stress on individual components while maintaining the overall voltage handling capability through the parallel configuration.

Multiple switching circuits are merged in parallel to achieve both high voltage handling and low conduction losses. The parallel combination allows each circuit to handle a portion of the total current at a lower voltage stress level, reducing conduction losses compared to series connection. The magnetic core combines these parallel circuits to deliver the full voltage output, achieving both voltage handling capability and reduced losses simultaneously.