This paper explores a new configuration for modular dc-dc converters, namely, series connection at the input, and parallel connection at the output, such that the converters share the input voltage and load current equally. This is an important step toward realizing a truly modular power system architecture, where low-power, low-voltage, building block modules can be connected in any series/parallel combination at input or at output, to realize any given system specifications.A three-loop control scheme, consisting of a common output voltage loop, individual inner current loops, and individual input voltage loops, is proposed to achieve input voltage and load current sharing. The output voltage loop provides the basic reference for inner current loops, which is modified by the respective input voltage loops. The average of converter input voltages, which is dynamically varying, is chosen as the reference for input voltage loops. This choice of reference eliminates interaction among different control loops.The input-series and output-parallel (ISOP) configuration is analyzed using the incremental negative resistance model of dc-dc converters. Based on the analysis, design methods for input voltage controller are developed. Analysis and proposed design methods are verified through simulation, and experimentally, on an ISOP system consisting of two forward converters.

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This paper proposes a novel control strategy, such that equal rating DC-DC converter modules, can be connected in series at the input side for higher input voltages and in parallel at the output side for higher output currents. Closedloop control ensures that each module equally shares the total input voltage and the output current. Analytical discussion is confirmed by a laboratory hardware prototype. Such modular converters may find immediate application in working with various utility voltages around the world.I.

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