Hybrid switched-capacitor converter (HSC)

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Hybrid switched-capacitor (HSC) converter

Generative AI is driving the requirements for data center power ever higher, while at the same time allowing less space for intermediate bus converter solutions. The need for increased power density and the strive for higher conversion efficiency drives innovation.

Infineon, having years of experience in the semiconductor industry, has developed a number of new topologies that provide high efficiency, high density, and support high peak power. One of these topologies is the unregulated IBC hybrid switched-capacitor or HSC, which combines the benefits of switched capacitor energy transfer with the step-down benefits of coupled magnetics. HSC is not dependent on tolerances of the resonant components to operate in ZVS mode, as a traditional LLC might be, and can operate efficiently over a wide input range.

Advantages of Infineon's HSC

With Infineon's HSC solution, it is possible to have different ratios as optimized conversion ratio, while maintaining the same number of FETs, such as 5:1, 6:1, or 8:1. This makes it possible to save space and reduce costs by not adding additional FETs to the system.

With HSC, soft-switching operation is achieved regardless of component tolerances and input voltage variation because the Lm of the MTA provides soft-switching capability. The Lk of the MTA ensures soft-charging of the Cres1, Cres2, and Cout capacitors. Moreover, the simplified drive system eliminates the need for a charge pump, which also contributes to the lower cost of the architecture. The topology also features a symmetric operation which decreases the input current ripple, which leads to improved system efficiency.

Using the HSC converter topology in your designs can help to lower the number of system components and the flexible design supports a wide range of applications, depending on the input voltage, output voltage, current, and power level.

Synchronous-HSC (S-HSC) topology overview and value proposition

Building on the HSC topology, Infineon's 4:1 unregulated synchronous-hybrid switched-capacitor (S-HSC) topology is a resonant soft switch converter with a 4:1 fixed ratio. This solution is inexpensive with low BoM and capable of start-up without an eFuse. This makes it highly reliable and cost effective, suiting a wide range of application use cases. 

The S-HSC topology features separated resonant capacitors, yielding optimal paralleled copper usage and the autotransformer’s lower AC resistance. This leads to higher efficiency and lower power losses, making Infineon's solution highly compatible in the market. Moreover, the use of resonant soft switching and optimized paralleled copper reducing the electromagnetic interference (EMI) make it possible to utilize where EMI must be controlled, such as in medical devices, automotive electronics, or consumer electronics. 

Hybrid switched-capacitor (HSC) converter

Generative AI is driving the requirements for data center power ever higher, while at the same time allowing less space for intermediate bus converter solutions. The need for increased power density and the strive for higher conversion efficiency drives innovation.

Infineon, having years of experience in the semiconductor industry, has developed a number of new topologies that provide high efficiency, high density, and support high peak power. One of these topologies is the unregulated IBC hybrid switched-capacitor or HSC, which combines the benefits of switched capacitor energy transfer with the step-down benefits of coupled magnetics. HSC is not dependent on tolerances of the resonant components to operate in ZVS mode, as a traditional LLC might be, and can operate efficiently over a wide input range.

Advantages of Infineon's HSC

With Infineon's HSC solution, it is possible to have different ratios as optimized conversion ratio, while maintaining the same number of FETs, such as 5:1, 6:1, or 8:1. This makes it possible to save space and reduce costs by not adding additional FETs to the system.

With HSC, soft-switching operation is achieved regardless of component tolerances and input voltage variation because the Lm of the MTA provides soft-switching capability. The Lk of the MTA ensures soft-charging of the Cres1, Cres2, and Cout capacitors. Moreover, the simplified drive system eliminates the need for a charge pump, which also contributes to the lower cost of the architecture. The topology also features a symmetric operation which decreases the input current ripple, which leads to improved system efficiency.

Using the HSC converter topology in your designs can help to lower the number of system components and the flexible design supports a wide range of applications, depending on the input voltage, output voltage, current, and power level.

Synchronous-HSC (S-HSC) topology overview and value proposition

Building on the HSC topology, Infineon's 4:1 unregulated synchronous-hybrid switched-capacitor (S-HSC) topology is a resonant soft switch converter with a 4:1 fixed ratio. This solution is inexpensive with low BoM and capable of start-up without an eFuse. This makes it highly reliable and cost effective, suiting a wide range of application use cases. 

The S-HSC topology features separated resonant capacitors, yielding optimal paralleled copper usage and the autotransformer’s lower AC resistance. This leads to higher efficiency and lower power losses, making Infineon's solution highly compatible in the market. Moreover, the use of resonant soft switching and optimized paralleled copper reducing the electromagnetic interference (EMI) make it possible to utilize where EMI must be controlled, such as in medical devices, automotive electronics, or consumer electronics. 

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