Single-Inductor, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output, DC-DC Converter Based on A New Software Zero-Current Switching Technique

A single-inductor multiple-input multiple-output converter is proposed in this paper that can be used in low-power systems due to low output current and voltage. This converter is implemented discretely, and only one microcontroller is employed to control the system. The unique zero-current switching (ZCS) technique considered in this paper is such that only by reading the inductor's left-side voltage the optimal value of the inductor discharge duty cycle is determined. This method can be generalized to low-power and high-power converters, whether implemented and designed as discrete or integrated. This converter works in discontinuous conduction mode. It uses pulse width modulation control and the time-multiplexing control method, which makes the system have high efficiency and makes the cross-regulation problem between the converter's outputs tiny. The control algorithm considered in this converter is digital, which determines the optimal charge and discharge duty cycles. Also, the switching frequency of this converter is constant, relatively low, and equal to 5kHz. The efficiency of this converter has reached 91.6% by using the ZCS technique and other mentioned control methods.