Novel high voltage conversion ratio “Rainstick” DC/DC converters

Voltage conversions with high step-down ratios are required in many medium voltage applications for supplying auxiliary electronics. In this paper a new topology for high conversion ratios with low voltage stresses of components, modular structure and simple control is presented. The operation principles are described together with analytical descriptions of the average value of the inductor currents and RMS values of the switches. In addition, the influence of the efficiency of the individual modules on the total converter efficiency is provided. Possible modifications of the “Rainstick” converter with benefits for different applications are shown. Furthermore, the measurement results of a prototype with an input voltage range of up to 2.4 kV and 30 W output power are shown.