Book excerpt: A comprehensive look at DC-DC converters and advanced power converter topologies for all skills levels As it can be rare for source voltage to meet the requirements of a Direct Current (DC) load, DC-DC converters are essential to access service. DC-DC power converters employ power semiconductor devices (like MOSFETs and IGBTs) as switches and passive elements such as capacitors, inductors, and transformers to alter the voltage provided by a DC source into the necessary DC voltage as is required by a DC load. This source can be a battery, solar panels, fuel cells, or a DC bus voltage fed by rectified AC utility voltage. As the many components of DC-DC converters can be differently arranged into circuit structures called topologies, there are as many possible circuit topologies as there are possible combinations of circuit elements. Focusing on DC-DC switch-mode power converters ranging from 50 W to 10kW, DC-DC Converter Topologies provides a survey of all converter topology types within this power range. General principles are described for each topology type using a representative converter as an example. Variations that can be found that differ from the example are then examined, with a helpful discussion of comparisons when relevant. A broad range of topics is covered within the book, from simple, low-power converters to complex, high-power converters and everywhere in between. DC-DC Converter Topologies readers will also find: A detailed discussion of four key DC-DC converter topologies Description of isolated two-switch pulse-width modulated (PWM) topologies including push-pull, half-bridge, and interleaved converters An exploration of high-gain converters such as coupled inductors, voltage multipliers, and switched capacitor converters This book provides the tools so that a non-expert will be equipped to deal with the vast array of DC-DC converters that presently exist. As such, DC-DC Converter Topologies is a useful reference for electrical engineers, professors, and graduate students studying in the field.