Split-Midpoint Parallel Output Converter for Fewer Series Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters require a large number of power switches in series, complicating the driving circuit and increasing costs, while also facing inefficiencies due to non-zero inductor current ripples.
Innovation Solution
The proposed power converter design uses multi-level power conversion circuits with magnetic elements and switched capacitor circuits, where the duty cycles and switching states of power switches are controlled to achieve a reduced number of switches in series and zero inductor current ripple, enabling efficient voltage conversion with fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional power converters use a large number of power switches in series to achieve voltage conversion, then the voltage conversion ratio is improved, but the device complexity and driving circuit complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power converter is divided into multiple independent multi-level power conversion circuits, each handling a portion of the voltage conversion task. Each circuit has its own set of power switches connected to a shared input converter, allowing the system to achieve high voltage conversion ratios without requiring all switches to be in series. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the driving circuit while maintaining the desired voltage conversion capability.
2Power
If conventional power converters use a large number of power switches in series, then the voltage conversion ratio is improved, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple multi-level power conversion circuits share a common input converter and can share common output terminals, merging redundant components. This approach allows the system to achieve high voltage conversion ratios through parallel circuit architectures rather than series switch connections, significantly reducing the total number of power switches required while maintaining the desired power conversion capability.
3Loss of energy
If conventional power converters operate with non-zero inductor current ripples, then the circuit operation is simpler, but the efficiency and performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit monitors the inductor current and adjusts the switching states of power switches to maintain zero current ripple operation. By implementing feedback control that detects current deviations and compensates for them through coordinated switching actions across multiple circuits, the system achieves zero inductor current ripple while maintaining efficient operation and stable performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A power converter can include: positive and negative input terminals configured to receive an input voltage; positive and negative output terminals configured to generate an output voltage; first and second power switches sequentially coupled in series between the positive input terminal and a first node; third and fourth power switches sequentially coupled in series between a second node and the negative input terminal, where there is no physical connection between the first node and the second node; a first energy storage element coupled between a common terminal of the first and second power switches and a common terminal of the third and fourth power switches; a first multi-level power conversion circuit coupled between the first node and the positive output terminal; and a second multi-level power conversion circuit coupled between the first node and the positive output terminal.