What are interleaved converters and their benefits?

Interleaved converters connect multiple converter phases in parallel with phase-shifted switching. For N phases with 360/N degree phase shift, benefits include: reduced input and output current ripple (ripple cancels at certain duty cycles), smaller filter components, improved transient response (faster due to higher effective frequency), thermal distribution, and fault tolerance (can operate with fewer phases). Common in high-current applications: VRMs (voltage regulator modules), EV chargers, and PFC circuits. Requires current sharing control.