Power distribution architecture with series-connected bus converter

A method of delivering power comprising:

• providing a source adapted to deliver power at a DC source voltage, VS, where the source voltage may vary over a first voltage range;
• providing a first power conversion stage having an input circuit and an output circuit, the first power conversion stage being adapted over the first voltage range to convert power from the input circuit to the output circuit at a substantially fixed voltage transformation ratio, KDC, at an output current, wherein an input voltage VIN is applied to the input circuit and an output voltage VOUT is produced by the output of the first power conversion stage, and wherein the substantially fixed voltage transformation ratio can be represented as KDC=VOUT/VIN;
• connecting the input circuit to receive power from the source;
• providing a power regulation stage having a regulator input connected to receive power from the output circuit of the first power conversion stage at the output voltage, VOUT, and a regulator output connected to supply power to a respective load at a load voltage, VLoad, the power regulation stage being separated by a distance from the first power conversion stage;
• providing a galvanic connection between the input circuit of the first power conversion stage and the output circuit of the first power conversion stage;
• using an inductive component and one or more power switches in the input circuit, the output circuit, or both of the first power conversion stage;
• reducing a voltage across the one or more switches prior to turning ON said one or more switches using a current flowing in the inductive component to charge and discharge capacitances in the first power conversion stage;
• and
• setting the voltage transformation ratio, KDC=VOUT/VIN of the first power conversion stage to a value that is less than 1.