Development Trends and Optimization Approaches in Switched-Mode Power Supplies

Abstract

Analysis of more than 1,200 scientific and technical articles devoted to Switched-Mode Power Supplies, which have now become fundamental components of power systems for modern electronic devices across all spheres of human life demonstrates that the development of these supplies still proceeds empirically. The practice of improving their basic topologies is largely based on intuitive-heuristic combinations of established circuit design solutions and does not exhibit tendencies toward forming universal methodological foundations for realizing the existing innovative potential. Moreover, the absence of a theory of systemic development, built on a generalized model of the regularities of basic topology modifications, and the lack of tools for predicting efficiency lead to the fact that design solutions are evaluated only post factum, based on the results of full‑scale experiments, instead of prior analytical validation to ensure predictability and reduce time and costs of design. This situation restrains systemic structural-functional optimization of circuit solutions and complicates achieving higher levels of scalability and energy efficiency. An additional obstacle is the insufficient integration of digital tools and intelligent control methods to ensure the ability of supplies to adapt to variable and random operating conditions. Unlike numerous routine reviews of the accumulated array of circuit solutions, a concept is proposed to overcome these limitations, based on a set of formalized transformation operators for circuit design solutions. Such an approach not only elevates the systematization of known solutions to a new level but also creates conceptual foundations for the transition from design based on intuitive-heuristic assumptions to ensuring reproducible and predictable results. Promising directions for further development include expanding the functional capabilities of pulse-width modulation and stepwise energy accumulation in inductive and capacitive elements, which opens the way to integrating the analog diversity of circuit solutions of supplies with the transformational potential of digital intelligence, aimed at adaptability to changing operating conditions and optimization of operating modes in real time. All this together forms the conceptual foundation of the synthesis methodology, which will contribute to the systematization of accumulated experience and implementation of established promising directions of development for creating next-generation supplies, capable of ensuring high energy efficiency, scalability, and flexible and profound integration into modern technological platforms of various purposes.