A Wide-Output-Range DC-DC Converter and Minimum Loss Collaborative Control Strategy

In response to the challenges faced by traditional LLC resonant converters in simultaneously achieving a wide output voltage and high efficiency, this paper proposes a cascaded DC-DC converter. The front stage of the converter adopts a new LLC topology, and it is cascaded with a boost converter through a reutilization of the output-side inductor. The proposed DC-DC converter leverages the electrical isolation and wide output voltage range advantages of LLC and boost converters, enabling the overall system to achieve broad output voltage regulation and high-efficiency operation. The reutilization of the inductor design further enhances the integration density of the DC-DC converter. A minimum loss collaborative control strategy is introduced for the proposed DC-DC converter. When determining the output voltage and operating the circuit in step-up mode, the duty cycles of the switch in the proposed LLC converter and the switch in the boost converter are adjusted to minimize overall circuit losses while ensuring the rated output voltage. Ultimately, the correctness and practicality of the proposed DC-DC converter and its control strategy are validated through a simulation and an experiment. The overall efficiency of the DC-DC converter can reach up to 94% under optimal conditions.