Transformers with low losses are required in isolated high-to-low voltage, low-power applications, with strong constraints regarding the solution’s size and cost. A design approach based on a design-of-experiments (DoEs) that allows to study the influence of the main key design parameters of such a passive device. It leads to select few solutions whose performances are measured in a 400 to 12 V, 1 W prototype. The best transformer design allows reaching a 85% peak efficiency for a core volume of 2100 mm³ at an operating frequency of 275 kHz.

With energy efficiencies close to two times higher than traditional photovoltaic (PV), concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems represent a promising solution for solar power generation. In the same way, the converging Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of both technologies favors interest toward CPV systems. In order to assess more clearly the potential of this technology, an up-to-date evaluation of the power electronic conversion techniques used in CPV to increase the yielded energy is crucial. This assessment not only sheds light on the latest advancements, but also provides insights into design trade-offs, performance limitations, and potential areas for improvement in CPV systems. This work focuses on the DC/DC converters used as an intermediary stage of conversion between the panels and a central grid-tied inverter. Electrical and economical metrics are used to compare actual converters developed and presented in a comprehensive literature review.

The design of a low-cost 800V-to-12V, 4 W isolated DC/DC converter for automotive applications is investigated. Such a converter is required to supply tiny systems directly from the high-voltage battery of an Electric Vehicle. In particular, a selected topology based on a Multi-Level Flying-Capacitor stage is analyzed. The converter operating mode selection is studied and simulation results reveal the interest of operating at the limit of the ZVS mode. The design of a planar transformer adapted to the application is described. Design considerations of an IC brick that includes the main blocks required to control the power stage are discussed. The performances of a 4 W prototype with two transformer designs validate the choice of the operating mode. The peak efficiency is 87.4% which confirms the interest of the selected approach compared to existing solutions.

In this article, a high temperature EMI input filter for a SiC JFET inverter is designed and tested in operating conditions at 200°C. Inverter EMI issues, design procedure, and characterizations of selected components are presented in detail. The feasibility based on industrially available materials and components is demonstrated with a low temperature dependence of the EMI spectrum.