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This paper proposes a novel simplified low cost analog implementation of a master/slave methodology resulting in an efficient soft-switched interleaved variable frequency flybacks operating in the boundary conduction mode (BCM). The scheme is suitable for PV micro-inverters and other applications such as battery chargers. The circuit allows for master/slave synchronization while copying the ON time of the master flyback to the slave one, which result in component count and cost reduction. The proposed discrete analog implementation utilizes a drive winding embedded in the master flyback transformer, which also controls the start of the ON time of the slave flyback. Hence, a voltage control oscillator (VCO) method is adopted. Such technique helps simplify the control and reduce the losses of the drive circuits while eliminating the need for an auxiliary startup supply. Operation procedure, design considerations, and experimental results are presented in this paper. The implementation simplicity of the scheme at low cost is demonstrated while reaching impressive performance. Keywords-PV micro-inverters; interleaved BCM variable frequency flybacks; master/slave synchronization; voltage control oscillator; low cost; analog implementation I.978-1-4799-6735-3/15/$31.00 ©2015 IEEE

This paper proposes a novel integrated plug and play (PnP) DC/DC parallel PV architecture for powering residential buildings. The scheme is based on low cost PV converters (first stage) integrated into one mechanical enclosure along with a second stage grid tied centralized inverter or converter in the case of DC powered applications. The technique limits the requirements of the first stage converters to operation in the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) while supporting power curtailment. All communications to the grid or to other applications are proposed to be provided by the said centralized inverter or converter. Furthermore, a novel approach to improve the racking installation time is also proposed in this paper. The outcome of the said configuration as well as the proposed racking improvement method is a lower cost and simpler to implement PnP system. System configuration and the proposed improved racking installation diagrams as well as experimental results are illustrated in this paper.