Electrical – Converting -3.7V to -32V (both negative), Is it a boost or a buck

dc/dc converternegative-voltageswitch-mode-power-supply

I need to get create a split supply at +/-32V, but all I have to work with are LiPo batteries. I was thinking something like the block diagram below. The positive part is simple, but the negative part is not so straight-forward.

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

I tired googling this, but there is not much literature on dc-dc conversion with negative voltage. Main questions I have and need help with are:

  1. When you convert -3.7V to -32V, is that considered a boost or buck? The output voltage is lower, but the absolute value is greater.

  2. Judging by the lack of information, it seems this is not a typical problem, but is it practical?

  3. Can the negative "boost" be done using the same positive boost IC? Ideally, I'd like to use the same chip if possible.

  4. Any recommendation on reading material or schematics? Or any other method of getting +/-32V?

Best Answer

Going from -3.7V to -32V to is a boost, a negative boost.

To make things more less confusing, here's are application notes Designing a negative boost converter from a standard positive buck converter and Positive Buck Regulator Makes Negative Boost DC/DC Converter. (The regulators in these app notes are intended to be positive bucks, but repurposed as negative boosts.)

For a simple inductive boost converter, it's advisable not to have a boost factor greater than 6. This applies to both positive and negative boost.

p.s. We’re situated roughly in the same neck of the woods, interestingly.