4 Summary

The stacked configuration uses only a few more components due to fact that two IC's are used and need to be configured properly. The output filter is basically the same. The inductor in the single converter design uses the same PCB area as both inductors in the dual configuration. The load side capacitors are the same. This results in similar efficiency and load transient performance for both designs.

But, as the measurements show, the dual converter design has lower input voltage ripple and noise. This design can be beneficial for EMI optimization and filter design. The dual converter design also shows a significant improvement in thermal performance. Using two converters allows to distribute the losses more even across the PCB in a wider area. This process can relax the challenges related to dealing with the losses in the converter and related application design.