An optimal designed RCD snubber for DC-DC converters

In this paper, we propose that a genetic algorithm and the Taguchi method be employed in the optimal design of a DC-DC converter with an RCD snubber. Such a design reduces the spike voltage (V_dsp) of the power switch and consequently decrease the manufacturing costs. We first investigated the circuit parameters affecting the drain-to-source voltage (V_ds) and then determined the ideal circuit parameters using the genetic algorithm, and developed an optimal design of a prototype circuit with the Taguchi method. A comparison of the spike voltage showed the advantages of the optimal circuit design over a non-optimal design. The measured spike voltage for the optimal circuit design showed a 40.5% reduction to 138 V. Therefore, using the genetic algorithm and the Taguchi method in the optimal design of a converter with an RCD snubber is a more economical, practical, and efficient circuit design, which can be easily applied to other electronic circuits to optimize their design for various quality characteristics.