This paper studies two kinds of simple switched dynamical systems with piecewise constant characteristics. The first one is based on the single buck converter whose periodic/chaotic dynamics are analyzed precisely using the piecewise linear phase map. The second one is based on a paralleled system of the buck converters for lower voltages with higher current capabilities. Referring to the results of the single system, it is clarified that stable multi-phase synchronization is always possible by the proper use of the switching strategies and adjustment of the clock period. Presenting a simple test circuit, typical operations are confirmed experimentally.

This paper studies nonlinear dynamics of a simplified model of multiple-input parallel buck converters. The dynamic winner-take-all switching is used to achieve N-phase synchronization automatically, however, as parameters vary, the synchronization bifurcates to a variety of periodic/chaotic phenomena. In order to analyze system dynamics we adopt a simple piecewise constant modeling, extract essential parameters in a dimensionless circuit equation and derive a hybrid return map. We then investigate typical bifurcation phenomena relating to N-phase synchronization, hyperchaos, complicated superstable behavior and so on. Ripple characteristics are also investigated.