Description

A converter with a single input and multiple outputs is known as a multi-output converter. The converter could be isolated or non-isolated. A non-isolated converter which uses a single common inductor for all the outputs is termed single-inductor multi-output converter. In a multi-output converter, a part of the converter circuit is common for all the outputs and a part of the circuit is exclusive to each output. This brings in cost advantages and improved power density. Fewer components also result in reduced losses. Multi-output converters have become very popular recently and many low power and portable applications widely use such converters. Since a part of the converter is common for all the outputs, achange in the load of one output affects the other outputs also. This is known as cross-regulation and the converters have to handle this apart from line and load regulation. This is what makes the topic complex and interesting and provides scope for further investigation, despite the large volume of research work already existing in this area. This thesis attempts to identify new topologies and control approaches for configuring such multi-output converters in all spheres, isolated or non-isolated, converters operating in discontinuous conduction mode or in continuous conduction mode and with uni-polar or bi-polar outputs.