Average-Current-Based Conduction Losses Model of Switched Capacitor Converters

A generic modeling methodology that analyzes the losses in switched capacitor converters (SCC) operating in open loop was developed and verified by simulation and experiments. The proposed analytical approach is unified, covering both hard- and soft-SCC topologies that include active switches and/or diodes. An important feature of the proposed model is that it expresses the losses as a function of the average currents passing through each flying capacitor during each switching phase. Since these currents are linearly proportional to the output current, the model is also applicable to SCC with multiple capacitors if it can be assumed that each of the subcircuits of the modeled SCC can be described or approximated by a first-order system. The proposed model can be used to assess the effect of the operational conditions of the SCC, such as switching frequency and duty cycle, on the expected losses. As such, the model can help in the optimization of SCC systems and their control to achieve high efficiency and the desired regulations.