Design Optimization for a Half-Bridge DC-DC Converter

A nonlinear programming technique using the penalty function method is employed for the minimum weight design of a halfbridge dc-dc buck power converter. The cost-effective computeraided approach provides a minimum weight design down to the details of the component level which concurrently meets all power circuit performance requirements. Important design insights and guidelines are obtained to readily assess 1) the tradeoffs between weight and loss as the switching frequency is increased, 2) the optimum operating frequency range over which the total weight/loss is minimized, 3) the impact of device characteristics on the total weight and loss profile.