Multi-Level Step-Up Converter Topologies, Control And Soft Start Systems And Methods

A system comprising:

• an inductor including a first terminal in communication with an input voltage supply of a step-up converter;
• N transistor pairs connected in series, where N is an integer greater than one, wherein first and second transistors of a first pair of the N transistor pairs are connected to a node, wherein the node is in communication with a second terminal of the inductor, and wherein third and fourth transistors of a second pair of the N transistor pairs are connected to the first and second transistors, respectively;
• (N−1) capacitors connected between the N transistor pairs, respectively;
• an output capacitor in communication with at least one transistor of the N transistor pairs;
• and
• a controller configured to
• generate a first signal when the N transistor pairs are ready to switch;
• charge the (N−1) capacitors to the input voltage;
• generate a second signal charging the (N−1) capacitors is complete;
• and
• sequentially charge the (N−1) capacitors to (N−1) fractions of an output voltage of the step-up converter in response to the first signal and the second signal.