Design and implementation of step down DC to DC converter without an auxiliary power supply

Cascaded buck converters (multistage) are commonly used in many applications where isolation is not an issue and a high conversion ratio is required. In particular, cascaded buck converter has been widely reported in the power electronics literature.  For high conversion ratio (high step

2025-06-28 16:26:25 - Adil Khan

Project Title

Design and implementation of step down DC to DC converter without an auxiliary power supply

Project Area of Specialization Electrical/Electronic EngineeringProject Summary

Cascaded buck converters (multistage) are commonly used in many applications where isolation is not an issue and a high conversion ratio is required. In particular, cascaded buck converter has been widely reported in the power electronics literature. 

For high conversion ratio (high step-down ratio) using conventional buck degradation of output voltage and inductor current occurs. To resolve this issue and to get high conversion ratio, cascaded buck a better way.

In this project, two stage cascaded buck (buck square converter) with high conversion ratio having high input voltages 600V (variable input) to low output voltages 18V (fixed) is designed. It includes of two parts, the power circuit (cascaded buck) and a control circuit (having controller and driver circuit) without and auxiliary power supply.

Mathematical equations were derived and formulas were derived for the components used in converter like inductor, capacitor, duty ratio, etc. The values were obtained for components for the proposed converter. duty ratio is obtained for the desired output using derived formulas.

Power MOSFET's are used for switching purpose. High speed and high frequency PWM are given to MOSFET's for switching through control circuit. Power supply for control circuit is designed using 600V and 18V using topology. Output of first stage is an input of second stage of buck.

Simulations of the proposed converter were performed and desired results were obtained. Code was written for pic controller for the PWM using Mplab software. Hardware design was implemented and results were obtained and the losses in hardware implementation were observed.

Project Objectives

Cascaded buck converter has been widely reported in the power electronics literature. The main features are a high voltage step-down ratio and large regulation range. Applications where high conversion step down ratio is required, cascaded buck converter can be used to perform the task. Conventional buck converter (one stage) has problems related to size of parameters and in addition, it has been reported that once a duty cycle is close to 0 or 1, a degradation of the output voltage and inductor current take place. Cascade Buck converter provides a higher step-down conversion ratio and a large range of load regulation. The proposed design bucks a high voltage DC (600V) to a low voltage DC (18V constant) without using an auxiliary power supply (external power source). This proposed project illustrates the idea of cascaded buck and provide information related to its practical design.

Project Implementation Method

Hardware design of two stage buck converter is implemented. Initially low voltages were applied and then input voltages were raised step by step and output voltages were observed. Switching of MOSFET’s were performed by control circuit. Control circuit includes microcontroller and driver circuit. Switching frequency was adjusted. Output of the first buck is an input of second buck.

The project is done without an auxiliary power supply and the supply to the control circuit and gate driver circuit is given through a circuit that uses input voltages (600V) or output voltages (18V) to give the supply.

Different loads were applied and the results were observed for each. Heat sinks were used for the cooling purpose of MOSFET's.

Benefits of the Project

Buck square (two stage cascaded buck) converter provide us higher step down conversion ratio with large load regulation. So,

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Hardware implementaed circuit will be deliver in final form.

Final Deliverable of the Project Hardware SystemCore Industry Energy Other Industries Others Core Technology Clean TechOther Technologies Robotics, OthersSustainable Development Goals Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources
Item Name Type No. of Units Per Unit Cost (in Rs) Total (in Rs)
Total in (Rs) 36783
MOSFET's Equipment202004000
Gate diver IC Equipment52001000
optocoupler Equipment4130520
Microcontroller and Burner Equipment11100011000
Diode Equipment25601500
PCB board Equipment33501050
Photo paper A4 Equipment635210
Jumper wires (male to male)) Equipment1150150
Jumper wires (male to female) Equipment1150150
Glue gun mini Equipment1450450
Glue stick Equipment520100
Connector 2 pin Equipment1220240
Connector 4 pin Equipment830240
Dual wire 23/76 Equipment16060
Wire 2.5mm Equipment24080
12V relay Equipment250100
zener diode Equipment4728
Led Equipment5315
Capacitor 120uF, 450V Equipment25601500
Capacitor 3.3uF, 50V Equipment1515225
Capacitor 10uF, 100V Equipment1515225
Ferochloride Equipment1200200
Biasing Circuit (Capacitor, resistor) Equipment1200200
Inductor core Equipment2350700
Inductor coil wire Equipment1200200
Connectors 220V Equipment1160160
Heat sink Equipment650300
Wooden box+ painter Equipment115001500
Loads Equipment150005000
Wire Equipment1500500
Battery Equipment18080
Led lamp Equipment1100100
Nose cutter Equipment1500500
DMM Equipment125002500
Voltmetter Equipment25001000
Ammeter Equipment25001000

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