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Analysis of an Interleaved Boost Converter

Power Electronics · Intermediate · 2026-02-10

Introduction

An interleaved boost converter is a DC–DC power converter topology that improves current ripple performance and increases power handling capability by operating multiple boost converter phases in parallel with phase shifting.

Principle of Operation

In a two-phase interleaved boost converter, the switches operate with a phase shift of $180^\circ$. This results in partial cancellation of input current ripple. The duty cycle $D$ determines the output voltage:

$V_o = \frac{V_{in}}{1 - D}$

Current Ripple Reduction

Due to interleaving, the input current ripple is reduced by a factor related to the number of phases:

$\Delta I_{in} = \frac{\Delta I_L}{N}$

where $N$ is the number of interleaved phases.

Advantages

• Reduced input current ripple
• Lower EMI
• Improved thermal distribution
• Higher power capability

Applications

• Power factor correction (PFC) circuits
• Electric vehicle chargers
• Renewable energy systems
• High-power DC supplies

Conclusion

Interleaving provides an effective way to improve performance of boost converters in high-power applications by reducing ripple and improving efficiency.