Multi-level structures and methods for switched-mode power supplies

At least two converter cells, each of the at least two converter cells including at least 4 node voltage levels and made by modifying a 3-level converter cell that includes either (1) at least 3 designed-in energy storage elements, the at least 3 designed-in energy storage elements including one or more designed-in inductances, and at least 2 initial switches, or (2) one or more designed-in inductances and at least 4 initial switches,

• wherein each of the at least two converter cells includes a first pair of replacement switches replacing a first initial switch within the 3-level converter cell and a second pair of replacement switches replacing a second initial switch within the 3-level converter cell,
• wherein the first and second initial switches are not conductive at the same time during steady-state operation,
• wherein a first intermediate node between the first pair of replacement switches and a second intermediate node between the second pair of replacement switches are configured to be coupled to a capacitor,
• wherein each of the at least two converter cells is coupled to a common input terminal and provides an output through one output designed-in inductance of the one or more designed-in inductances, and
• wherein the output of each of the at least two converter cells is coupled to a common output terminal and the designed-in inductances of at least two of the at least two converter cells are magnetically coupled with opposite poles.