1 kW DC/DC Converter Reference Design

Vishay's 1 kW, 48 V to 12 V buck-boost converter features two modular power stages capable of 500 W each. Symmetrical interleaving of both phases reduces the current ripple, while each phase is equipped with protection MOSFETs that can isolate the phase in case of failure and limit inrush current. The converter can automatically switch between buck and boost operation, while its switching frequency of 185 kHz leads to a compact form factor. As dual-board net systems (vehicles with both a 12 V and 48 V bus) increase in popularity, high-power, bidirectional 48 V to 12 V DC/DC converters have become key building blocks in the architecture of automobiles. To optimize overall vehicle efficiency, energy must be transferred in either direction between the 12 V and 48 V batteries depending on the vehicle’s electrical demands and the state of the battery health, which can be achieved with this converter design.