A Power Switch Size Optimization Strategy for Multi-Switch DC-DC Converters

This paper presents a strategy for optimizing power switch sizes in DC-DC converters, in order to maximize the power e fficiency. The proposed strategy is particularly well suited for multi-switch topologies, which have become increasingly widespread in recent years. The e ffectiveness of the proposed optimization strategy is demonstrated for the case of a 3-level inverting buck-boost converter, which has been studied in detail considering various combinations of input voltage, output voltage and load current. The goodness of the model is verified by comparing the calculated e fficiency results with the e fficiency values obtained through Cadence Virtuoso simulations. The derived regression index between the calculated and simulated e fficiency results exceeds 0.99 in most cases: the proposed model and optimization strategy, therefore, well match the simulation results.