Reliability, fault-tolerance and modularity are next to efficiency key characteristics of DC/DC-converters in automotive, aerospace and telecommunication applications. Concerning these properties, a multilevel converter module is compared to a standard module with protection switches. The reliability analysis includes a comparison of different standards for failure rate calculation of power electronic components. Besides a smaller inductor, the multilevel stage offers a safer short-circuit disconnection and enhanced operability after a short-circuit fault.
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