ConverGenT: Automated Topology Generation and Analysis of Hybrid DC–DC Converters

Abstract

Owing to their high efficiency and high power density, hybrid DC-DC converters are gaining attention in academia and industry. However, no systematic procedure is currently available for creating new converter topologies where the number of inductors and capacitors are different. This paper proposes ConverGenT, an automated topological synthesis and analysis framework for two-phase hybrid DC-DC converters with one inductor, two capacitors consisting of one flying and one output capacitor. Consequently, all the converter topologies of this type are discovered. In contrast to the conventional approach that relies on intuition, this method requires less time and generates a complete set of converter topologies in a systematic manner. These two key advantages ensure that no possible converter topology is missed, making this method superior to the conventional approach. After generating a topology, all information about the converter topologies can be analyzed and verified manually or automatically, and the most suitable topology for a given application can be selected. ConverGenT has identified 62 converter families, each with a maximum of six topologies per family, that outperform conventional converters in certain aspects, with at least eight of these topologies having been published within the last five years. Details on topologies and performance of these converters are in the Appendix.