Split-boost circuit having imbalance protection circuitry

In a rectifier power system, imbalance protection circuitry for a split boost circuit, comprising:

• a voltage source having first and second input terminals;
• first and second electrical branches coupled together in parallel between said first and second input terminals;
• said first and second electrical branches each comprising:
• (a) a switch,
• (b) a capacitor, and
• (c) circuit protection means, inserted between said switch and capacitor, for blocking and limiting current passing through one of said first and second electrical branches;
• and
• an inductor, coupled between said first input terminal and said first and second electrical branches, to create an induction current from said voltage source to said first and second electrical branches.

A power converter, comprising:

• an inductor coupled to a DC input of said power converter;
• first and second output capacitors coupled to first and second outputs of said power converter;
• respectively;
• first and second power switches, connected to said inductor and said first and second output capacitors, for alternatively series-coupling and parallel-coupling said first and second output capacitors;
• a connection circuit coupling a first node between said first capacitor and said first power switch to a second node between said second capacitor and said second power switch, said connection circuit alternatively:
• closing to create a direct connection between said first and second nodes when said first and second power switches are in a non-conducting state, and
• opening to interrupt said direct connection when said first and second power switches are in a connecting state;
• and
• first and second diode and resistor pair coupled in series with said first and second power switches, respectively, to prevent unbalanced circulating current when said power switches are conducting.