Back to the portfolio

Trapezoidal current control for stable modular DC-DC

Energy & Power ElectronicsElectronics & SemiconductorsLab validatedPatent pending

This technology describes a smarter way to control power flow inside a type of compact, high-efficiency power converter that replaces bulky magnetic transformers with a circuit-based equivalent. The key innovation is a control method called trapezoidal current modulation, which shapes the electrical current waveform using a tunable parameter to keep voltage output stable regardless of how much load is connected. By adjusting this single parameter between defined limits, the controller can optimize efficiency and share current evenly across parallel converter modules. The result is a power converter that is more adaptable, easier to scale, and better suited for situations where load conditions vary widely.

What you could build

A high-density DC-DC power converter module targeting data center power distribution or electric vehicle onboard chargers, sold to power electronics OEMs or hyperscale data center operators seeking compact, efficient alternatives to magnetic-transformer-based designs.

Who in Virginia should care

Northern Virginia data center operators and defense electronics contractors with power conversion supply chain interests would be logical targets.

Readiness: Lab validated

Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.

Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.

The record

Inventors
Yuliang Cao, Dong Dong
Filed
Patent pending — filed August 2, 2023
Status
Application
Publication number
US20250047206A1

Ready to talk?

Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.

VTIP contact coming shortly

Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.