A Multiple-Input Dc-Dc Positive Buck-Boost Converter Topology

Alireza Khaligh * , Member, IEEE

Electric Power and Power Electronics Center
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
Illinois Institute of Technology
3301 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60616
E-mail: khaligh@ece.iit.edu, URL: www.ece.iit.edu/~khaligh

Abstract- A new multiple-input hybrid energy conversion
topology is presented. The proposed topology is capable of
combining different energy sources with different voltage-
current characteristics, while achieving low part number and bi-
directional operational. Compare to previous multiple-input
buck-boost converter, the proposed topology provides positive
output voltage; it is capable of bi-directional operation; and it
has the capability of operating in buck, boost, and buck-boost
modes. A fixed frequency switching strategy is considered and
analytical analyses as well as detailed device level simulation
results are presented.
Index Terms- dc-dc converter, energy diversification, multiple-input
converter.
I. INTRODUCTION
Future distributed power systems will require interfacing
different kinds of energy sources. Multiple-input energy
sources have the capability of diversifying different energy
sources and increasing the reliability of the system [1].
Multiple-input converters can combine the advantages of
different sources, such as photovoltaic cells, fuel cells,
batteries, ultra capacitors and other renewable energy sources
with different voltage and current characteristics for optimal
energy/economic use. Multiple-input converters have many
applications such as grid connected integrated hybrid
generation systems, fuel cells, micro grid-based telecom
power systems, uninterruptible power supplies, electric and
hybrid electric vehicles [1]-[17].
The multiple-input converters presented in [3]-[8] are
useful for combining several energy sources whose power
capacity or voltage levels are different to obtain regulated
output voltage. The limitation of these topologies is that only
one power source is allowed to transfer energy into the load at
a time to prevent power coupling effects. Due to space
limitation, further literature study will be included in the final
paper. Among the most recent works, a multiple-input dc-dc
buck-boost converter is proposed in [11]. This proposed
converter has minimal parts count, however it has a negatively
references output. Of course its output can be reversed by
utilizing a transformer. In addition, bidirectional operation of
proposed converter in [11]-[14] requires additional converters
from output to each input.
A multiple-input bi-directional positive buck-boost topology
has been introduced in this paper. Topology is derived from a
positive buck-boost converter. It can operate bi-directionally
without any need for additional converters. It can operate in
all three buck, boost, and buck-boost modes. It provides
positive output voltage. Another merit of this circuit is that the
inductor is shared by all the inputs. As a result, by sampling
the inductor current and monitoring the gate signals, all the
input currents can be monitored with only one sensor. The
scope of this paper is to introduce the topology, drive the
output voltage relationships equations for the multiple-input
(MI) buck topology in continuous and discontinuous
conduction modes. Deriving similar equations for MI buck-
boost topology follows the same procedure.
II. CIRCUIT TOPOLOGY
The circuit topology of the proposed MIPBB converter is
shown in Fig. 1. There are N input voltages Vi and N input
currents Ii (i=1:N). These inputs are connected to one terminal
of the inductor through bidirectional Si (i=1:N) switches.
These switches can be realized as two parallel MOSFETs, or
other switch combinations. The output voltage and current are
Vout and Iout, respectively. The proposed converter has the
flexibility of operation in all buck, boost, and buck-boost
modes. In buck operating topology, Q2 and Q3 are always off.
The switching action happens between Si switches and D1. In
buck-boost operating topology, either pairs of (D1, D3) or (Q2,
Si) will conduct. The operation of converter in boost mode is
only possible with one input voltage at a time. In other words,
only one input is allowed to transfer energy into the load at a
time in boost topology. In boost mode, Q1 is always off, and
switching action happens between Q2 and D3.
In bi-directional operating topology, circuit can also
operate as a buck, boost or buck-boost converters. For
instance, for buck topology, the switching action is between
Q3 and D2. Q1 and D1 are “off” and the Si switch associated
with the energy source that is being charged will be “on”.
Similarly, converter can operate in boost mode with Q3 “on”,
and the switching action between Q1 and one of Si switches. In
addition, with switching between either pairs of (Q1, Q3) or
(D2, Si) it operates in buck-boost mode, transferring energy

*
Corresponding Author

978-1-4244-1874-9/08/$25.00 ©2008 IEEE 1522

from output the input sources. In bi-directional power flow to Consider a duty cycle control scheme where each switch
charge the energy sources, from an output source such as switches at the same frequency and the leading edge of each
during regenerative braking in the hybrid electric vehicle gate signal, ui , coincides (see Fig. 2), (2) simplifies to (3).
applications, this topology can only charge one of the input
sources at a time. Since the operation of a positive buck-boost ∑D V
eff ( i ) i
(3)
Vout = i
= ∑ Deff ( i )Vi
converter as a single-input, single-output topology in bi- max ( Di ) + ⎡1 − max ( Di ) ⎤ i
directional operation is addressed in literature [15], the focus i ⎣ i ⎦
of this paper will be on its multiple-input operation during the where Deff ( i ) is the effective duty cycle of each switch; that is,
unidirectional power flow. In unidirectional power flow, since the portion of time the switch conducts nonzero current.
the operation as multiple-input buck-boost topology is similar Similar to [1], if the voltage indices are arbitrarily ordered
to the negative output MIBB converter in [1] except with such that V1 > V2 > K > VN , then
positive output voltage, this paper focuses on the multiple-
input buck topology. ⎧ i −1

⎪0, Di < ∑ Deff ( j )

⎪ j =1 (4)
Deff ( i ) =⎨
iN i −1 i −1
⎪D − D
⎪⎩ i ∑
vN eff ( j )
, Di ≥ ∑ Deff ( j )
j =1 j =1
SN

i2
v2
S2 D3
i1 iL iO
v1
S1 L Q3

C vo
Q1 D1 Q2 D2

Fig. 2. Representative switching strategy [1].

Fig. 1. The proposed multiple-input positive buck-boost (MIPBB)
converter topology. In a two-input converter if D1 > D2 , then
Vout = DV
1 1
(5)
A. Continuous Conduction Mode-Buck Topology which is the output voltage for a single-input normal buck
In continuous conduction mode (CCM) inductor current converter, where second input (lower voltage) does not enter
is always greater than zero. Therefore, at least one of Si in. But if D2 > D1 , then
switches or D1 is “on” at all times. If at least one of Si switches Vout = D1V1 + ( D2 − D1 ) V2 (6)
is on, D1 is off, but if all Si switches are off, then D1 is on. If Equation (6) shows the simultaneous operation of both inputs.
several Si switches are on, then the inductor voltage is equal to
the highest of the voltages for which the respective Si switch is B. Discontinuous Conduction Mode-Buck Topology
on minus the output voltage. Defining switching signals as Similar to the CCM, if several active switches are on,
ui (i =1:N), such that a 1 corresponds to on switching state then the inductor voltage is equal to the highest of the voltages
and a zero corresponds to off switching status [1], and with for which the respective switch is on. Therefore, only one Si
the assumption that the output capacitor is sufficiently large so switch conducts at a time. Depending on the magnitudes of
that the output voltage is almost constant, the inductor voltage input and output voltages two different cases are considered
is and analysed for discontinuous conduction mode (DCM).
v = ⎡ max ( u V − u V ) ⎤ − V
L
⎣ i
i i (1 − u )
i out
⎦ out ∏ (1)
i Case 1- Magnitude of all the input voltages is higher than the
i
output voltage
In steady state operation, average inductor voltage is zero.
Setting the average of (1) to zero gives, In this case, where the magnitudes of all input voltages
T are higher than output voltage, the inductor stored energy at
∫ max ( uiVi )dt (2)
Vout = 0 i
the instant D1 turns on is 1 Li p2 , where the change in inductor
⎡ T T ⎤
⎢ ∫0 max ( ui )dt + ∫0 ∏ (1 − ui )dt ⎥ 2
⎣ i
i ⎦ current during the jth interval [1] is as

1523
 V j − Vout (7) periods that the switches correspond to the input voltages with
Δi j = Deff ( j )T magnitudes less than output voltage are conducting. Fig. 4
L
where T is the period. The total change in current in the shows the inductor current of a four-input buck converter,
positive direction is the sum of all changes in the inductor where first two inputs have magnitudes higher than output
current (Fig. 3) [1]. Therefore, the magnitude of inductor voltage and as a result inductor current increases, however,
current is as the other two inputs have magnitudes lower than output
T (8) voltage and inductor current decreases. For this situation, the
i p = ∑ Δi j = ∑ Deff ( j ) (V j − Vout ) final value of the inductor current ( i f ) will be different than
j L j
its peak value ( i p ).
T (13)
i f = ∑ Δi j = ∑ Deff ( j ) (V j − Vout )
j L j
Δi j

Δi j
tD 1 on

Fig. 3. Inductor current in discontinuous conduction mode-case1.

Once all Si switches are turned off, D1 conducts until tD

1 on

inductor current becomes zero. Assuming a time constant

relatively large compared to the period,
Fig. 4. Inductor current in discontinuous conduction mode-case2.
ip L (9)
t D1on =
Vout T
i p = ∑ Δi j = (14)
The voltage ripple on the capacitor can be calculated by j
∑ Deff ( j ) (Veff ( j ) − Vout )
L j
assuming a discharge that is slow compared to the switching where Veff(j) is the magnitude of the jth input voltage, which its
period. The discharge occurs while all the switches are off, so magnitude is bigger than the output voltage.
I
Δvout = out (T − t D1on − T ∑ Deff ( j ) ) (10) ⎧⎪V j , V j > Vout
(15)
C j Veff ( j ) = ⎨
⎪⎩ 0, V j < Vout
All of the stored energy of inductor passes to the load and if L (16)
capacitor. The capacitor voltage increases by Δvout from t D1on =
Vout
2 2
1 ⎛ Δv ⎞ 1 ⎛ Δv ⎞ I out
C ⎜ Vout − out ⎟ to C ⎜ Vout + out ⎟ during time t D1on , for a Δvout = (T − t D1on − T ∑ ( Deff ( j ) − Dnoneff ( j ) )) (17)
2 ⎝ 2 ⎠ 2 ⎝ 2 ⎠ C j

net energy change of CVout Δvout . The energy passing to the load where t D1on and Δvout are the on time of the diode D1 and
during the inductor discharge is Vout I out t D [1]. This yields the output voltage ripple, respectively and
1on

energy balance ⎧⎪ Deff ( j ) , V j < Vout

Dnoneff ( j ) = ⎨ (18)
1 2 V j > Vout
Li p = CVout Δvout + Vout I out t D1on (11) ⎪⎩0,
2
The net energy change of capacitor during the times that all
Substituting (8), (9), and (10) in (11), and assuming a resistive
the switches are off plus the time period for which input
load, R,
voltage is less than output voltage is CVout Δvout . The energy
RT (12)
Vout (1 − ∑ Deff ( j ) ) =
2
(∑ Deff ( j ) (V j − Vout ))
2
passing to the load during the inductor discharge is
j 2L j

This is a second degree equation and need to be solved for V I (t + D

out out
) . This yields the energy balance of (19)
D1on ∑ noneff ( j )
Vout . j

Case 2- Magnitude of some of the input voltages is less than
output voltage
In this case the output voltage-drop happens not only
during the off time of all the switches, but also during the time
1 2 (19)
Li p = CVout Δvout + Vout I out (t D1on + ∑ Dnoneff ( j ) )
2 j
Substituting (13) and (17) in (19), yields

1524
T2 i L
(∑ Deff ( j ) (Veff ( j ) − Vout ))2 = Vout I out (T − f − T ∑ ( Deff ( j ) − Dnoneff ( j ) )) (20)
2L j Vout j

if L
+ Vout I out ( + ∑ Dnoneff ( j ) )
Vout j

This is a conditional and nonlinear equation, which should be

solved numerically to calculate the output voltage.

III. RESULTS
A two-input positive buck-boost converter is considered.
For CCM, the two inputs voltages are 10 V and 5 V. The
inductance is 20 µH with 0.02 Ω dc resistance, which
represents a coilcrafts DMT2-20-12 inductor. The capacitance
is 500 µF. The MOSFETs are modeled with 2SK2095N. The
switching frequency is 50 kHz. In Fig. 5, the average output Fig. 5. Continuous conduction mode with the D2 varied and D1=0.5
voltage as predicted by a detailed device level simulation, and for two-input buck topology.
as calculated for the ideal case by the proposed equations is
plotted for a two-input PBBC for buck topology. The duty
cycle of the 10 V source input is 0.5, while the other duty
cycle D2 is varied. Once D2 exceeds D1, the converter does
not behave like a single-input buck converter, anymore. As
shown the output voltage increases significantly. Ideal
simulation shows exact corresponding with the ideal analyses,
however, device level simulation shows small voltage drop in
the output voltage due to losses associated with non-ideal
components.
In order to study the behaviour of proposed converter in
DCM, the switching frequency reduced to 5 kHz, and
inductance increased to 1 mH (series resistance 0.37 Ω) to
make converter operates in DCM. Operation of the converter Fig. 6. Output voltage and inductor current of the two-input positive
in buck topology is analysed for both of presented cases. First, buck-boost converter in buck operating topology for V1=10V, V2=7V,
two inputs are chosen 10 V and 7 V, which corresponds with D1=0.25, D2=0.5, and Vout=5.62V in DCM.
the case 1, where magnitude of input voltages is higher than
the output voltage. Output voltage and inductor current are
shown in Fig. 6. The inductor current increases during both
Deff(1)T and Deff(2)T time periods, where either S1 or S2
conducts. Then during the time period where D1 is on inductor
current descends to zero. Similar study has done for the case
2, where the magnitude of output voltage is lower than first
input and higher than second input. Input voltages are 10 V
and 5 V, whereas output voltage is 6.28 V. Since output
voltage is less than first input during Deff(1)T inductor current
increases, however, during Deff(2)T it decreases. Similarly,
during tD1on inductor current descends to zero (Fig. 7).
Fig. 8 shows the output voltage of the converter in DCM
with the D1 varied and D2=0.5. In Fig. 8, the results are shown
Fig. 7. Output voltage and inductor current of the two-input positive
as predicted by a detailed (device level) simulation, and as buck-boost converter in buck operating topology for V1=10V, V2=5V,
calculated for the ideal case utilizing the equations obtained in D1=0.35, D2=0.65, and Vout=6.284V in DCM.
analytical studies. The difference in results is mainly due to
unmodeled switch drops in analytical studies. The equations
can be improved by including the effects of the parasitics in
the mathematical development.

1525

Fig. 8. Discontinuous conduction mode with the D1 varied and
D2=0.5 for two-input buck topology.
IV. CONCLUSION
A multiple-input dc-dc positive buck-boost converter is
introduced. Compare to the negative multiple-input buck-
boost topology, it has advantages in terms of positive output
voltage without any additional transformer, capability of
operation in different converter topologies (buck, boost and
buck-boost), as well as bidirectional operation. It is a
promising topology for diversification of multiple energy
sources. Analytical analyses are presented considering ideal
(lossless) components, which shows basis for understanding
the operation of the converter and is helpful for control
development. Detailed (device level) analyses are presented
for a two-input converter operating in buck topology and
compared with the ideal analytical results. Future work will
address control, power management, application of this
topology in hybrid electric vehicles; and grid connected
diversified renewable energy sources.
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