Power Conversion Topologies and Architectures

Power processing systems have undergone fundamental changes in recent years, from centralized power to distributed power. For example, the new generation of microprocessors operates at less than 1V, higher than 100 amps, and running at multi-GHz clock rates in order to further enhance their speed-power performance. These new generation microprocessors with very fast dynamic loads that demands high current slew rates during transients necessitates the change from the traditional centralized power supplies to a distributed power system. The dedicated point-of-load converter is placed in each output unit close to the high-speed processor, while the front-end power processing interfacing with utility lines is performed at a system level. This kind of DPS approach has opened up the opportunity to develop a standardized modular approach to power processing, while improving significantly the design and manufacturing process, as well as enhancing the system performances.

CPES has led the trend of research in the last decade, and has developed a number of innovative power conversion technologies that are essential for the improvement of power conversion efficiency, higher power density, and more integrated solutions based on the modular building block concept. CPES research in this area includes power system architecture for distributed power systems, system interface stability and requirements, electromagnetic interference / electromagnetic compatibility at the systems level, filter design issues, single-phase power factor correction circuits, three-phase power factor correction circuits, high- frequency DC-DC PWM converters, as well as resonant converters, integrated single-phase PFC/DC-DC converters, and integrated three-phase PFC and DC-DC converters. Other topics include digital control and modeling and analysis, at the circuit level as well as the systems level.

Related CPES Research Volumes:

1.  High-Frequency Resonant, Quasi-Resonant, and Multi-Resonant Converters (Volume I)
2.  High-Frequency Resonant and Soft-Switching PWM Converters (Volume IV)
3.  Switching Rectifiers for Power Factor Correction (Volume V)
4.  Advanced Power Conversion Techniques (Volume VII)
5.  Converters and Distributed Power Systems (Volume VIII)
6.  Low Voltage Power Conversion and Distributed Power Systems (Volume IX)
7.  Integrated Power Electronics Module - a Building Block Concept for System Integration (Volume X)
8.  Advanced Soft-Switching Techniques, Device and Circuit Applications (Volume XI)
9.  Distributed Power Systems Front-End Converters: Power Factor Correction and Isolated Converters (Volume XIV)
10.Distributed Power Systems: Point-of-Load Converters (Volume XV)