Abstract: A system and method for regulating power flow and limiting inductor current in a bidirectional direct current (DC)-to-DC converter is provided. In one aspect, a feedback circuit is provided to control power flow and/or limit inductor current based on the input/output voltage and/or current conditions in the bidirectional DC-DC converter. During a boost mode of operation, the duty cycle of a low-side switch within the bidirectional DC-DC converter is reduced, based on an analysis of the high-side voltage and positive inductor current. Further, during a buck mode of operation, the duty cycle of the low-side switch is increased, based on an analysis of the low-side voltage and negative inductor current. Moreover, the duty cycle of the low-side switch is adjusted, such that, the high-side voltage, low-side voltage and inductor current (in both directions) do not exceed preset threshold and the bidirectional DC-DC converter returns to a steady state.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing negative inductor current during soft start of a bidirectional direct current (DC)-to-DC converter is provided. Typically, the bidirectional DC-to-DC converter includes an active switch and a passive switch. The system employs a soft start circuit that controls the duty cycle of the passive switch during soft start of the active switch. In one aspect, the soft start circuit gradually increases the duty cycle of the passive switch from zero to a steady state value, and provides a soft start for the passive switch concurrently/simultaneously during the soft start of the active switch. Moreover, the soft start circuit disclosed herein can avoid the reverse transient inductor current during start-up, prevent system damage and make the design of the bidirectional DC-to-DC converter more robust.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating power flow and limiting inductor current in a bidirectional direct current (DC)-to-DC converter is provided. In one aspect, a feedback circuit is provided to control power flow and/or limit inductor current based on the input/output voltage and/or current conditions in the bidirectional DC-DC converter. During a boost mode of operation, the duty cycle of a low-side switch within the bidirectional DC-DC converter is reduced, based on an analysis of the high-side voltage and positive inductor current. Further, during a buck mode of operation, the duty cycle of the low-side switch is increased, based on an analysis of the low-side voltage and negative inductor current. Moreover, the duty cycle of the low-side switch is adjusted, such that, the high-side voltage, low-side voltage and inductor current (in both directions) do not exceed preset threshold and the bidirectional DC-DC converter returns to a steady state.