A Methodology to Derive Single-Stage Multiple-Input Multiple-Output DC-DC Converters

This paper proposes a systematic approach for the synthesis of multiple-input multiple-output converters (MIMOCs). The proposed MIMOCs can interface sources with different voltage-current characteristics, and supply multiple loads with different voltage levels. Compared to the traditional architecture of exchanging power between multiple ports via separate single-input single-output converters, the MIMOCs possess advantages of simpler structure, fewer components, lower cost, and higher efficiency. With the MIMOCs decomposed into three stages, namely, input stage, energy buffer stage, and output stage, a set of synthesis rules for MIMOCs are proposed. Consequently, two families of MIMOCs are generated, where the inductor and capacitor are employed as the central energy buffer elements, respectively.