Current Unbalance Detection in Coupling Inductors for Interleaved Multiphase Converters

This paper investigates the effects of phase current difference on coupling inductors in interleaved multiphase converters (IMCs) and explores their potential to detect and measure such differences. Experimental results obtained from a 2-phase interleaved multiphase boost converter (IMBC) demonstrate that the BH curve exhibits distinct positions and inclinations for positive and negative current differences. Furthermore, the induced voltage waveform present varying patterns which can be measured and utilized to estimate the current variation polarity between phases and regulate the phase current difference, eliminating the need for additional sensors. The findings highlight the potential of leveraging the magnetic effects in coupling inductors to accurately detect and monitor phase current unbalances in IMCs.