Switched Capacitor-Based Power Electronic Converter—Optimization of High Frequency Resonant Circuit Components

This chapter presents issues of optimization of the resonant circuit components’ volume in a switched-capacitor voltage multiplier (SCVM). The SCVM is derived from chip-scale technology but can effectively operate as a power electronic converter in a zero current switching mode when the recharging of switched capacitors occurs in a resonant circuit supported by an inductance. Selection of the passive LC components is not strictly determined, and depends on the optimization strategy according to the volume, efficiency or cost of the converter. Optimization of the volume of LC components is limited by the energy transfer ability via switched capacitors, thus by the rated power of the converter and switching frequency. Depending on the LC values, the converter operates in some specific states that determine the efficiency of the converter and voltage stress on semiconductor switches and diodes. This chapter presents analysis of the converter parameters and operation in the cases of optimization of the resonant circuit components’ values. The analytical discussion is also supported by the simulation and experimental results. All the results are provided for the SCVM but can be useful for a variety of switched-capacitor resonant power converters.