An Improved Re-configurable Buck Converter with Enhanced Effective Switching Frequency

This article presents a multi-carrier pulse-width modulation scheme for a re-configurable DC-DC BUCK converter topology. This combination yields a substantially higher enhanced switching frequency than the devices’ real switching frequency. The proposed re-configurable topology comprises multiple active switches connected in parallel, with their gate pulses derived from the modified and phase-shifted carrier waves. These switches operate alternately, effectively multiplying the operating frequency. Consequently, this allows for the utilization of slower and more cost-effective power devices, reducing filter requirements and enhancing overall system compactness. Further, in the proposed converter, the individual devices operating at lower frequencies help reduce overall losses, which reduces heat-sink requirements. The operation and analysis of the proposed concept are described in detail. Further, a comparative study, cost analysis, and thermal analysis are presented to highlight the scheme’s key features. Finally, the proposed scheme is validated through simulation and experimental results.