The direct-conversion resonant switched capacitor architecture with merged multiphase interleaving: Cost and performance comparison

Switched capacitor and resonant switched capacitor topologies have gained interest in recent years for highly integrated (monolithic) DC-DC converters, and more generally for a range of applications that require high density, high efficiency, and low cost. This work presents experimental and theoretical results for a new resonant topology that has architectural similarity to the more common 3-level buck converter. We further outline the prospects of using merged-interleaving to reduce voltage ripple while maximizing the utilization of passive components. We present the results of an experimental prototype that can be configured as a switched capacitor, resonant switched capacitor, or resonant 3-level topology. Importantly, by constraining factors such as total cost of active and passive components, volumetric energy density, and other design factors, we attempt to provide a fair comparison of the respective converter prototypes for applications spanning DC power delivery, and power management for renewable energy applications such as photovoltaics and battery management.