Systematic Synthesis of Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output DC-DC Converters for Nonisolated Applications

Multiple-input converters (MICs) and multiple-output converters (MOCs) are attractive solutions for interfacing various voltage levels. In order to reveal the intrinsic relationships among the diverse topologies and provide as many viable topologies as possible for practical applications, this article aims to analyze the topology construction principles and propose a systematic approach to derive MICs and MOCs. To begin with, the general principle of the topology derivation is analyzed according to circuit network theory. Inspired by the idea of design controllable inductor power-flow loops (IPFLs), five construction types are proposed to create multiple power-flow network (MPN) in MICs and MOCs. Then, four basic switching cells for the topology synthesis are proposed and a flow diagram for the optimal design procedure is provided to guide the topology derivation. As one example, a family of viable and optimized MICs and MOCs with various characteristics is derived from typical Buck converter. Based on the analysis of the derived converters in continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), the number of magnetic components is not increased at all so that they are promising candidates for applications requiring compact size and high integration. Besides, topology comparison and selection among a family of MICs is also conducted in view of practical specifications. Finally, one derived dual-input converter is analyzed in detail and experimentally verified to demonstrate the theoretical results.