**Preface to "Advanced DC-DC Power Converters and Switching Converters"**

Nowadays, power electronics is an enabling technology in the energy development scenario. Furthermore, power electronics is strictly linked with several fields of technological growth, such as consumer electronics, IT and communications, electrical networks, utilities, industrial drives and robotics, and transportation and automotive sectors. Moreover, the widespread use of power electronics enables cost savings and minimization of losses in several technology applications required for sustainable economic growth. The topologies of DC–DC power converters and switching converters are under continuous development and deserve special attention to highlight the advantages and disadvantages for use increasingly oriented towards green and sustainable development. DC–DC converter topologies are developed in consideration of higher efficiency, reliable control switching strategies, and fault-tolerant configurations. Several types of switching converter topologies are involved in isolated DC–DC converter and nonisolated DC–DC converter solutions operating in hard-switching and soft-switching conditions. Switching converters have applications in a broad range of areas in both low and high power densities. The articles presented in the Special Issue titled "Advanced DC–DC Power Converters and Switching Converters" consolidate the work on the investigation of the switching converter topology considering the technological advances offered by innovative wide-bandgap devices and performance optimization methods in control strategies used and also in the design of the passive components such as high-frequency isolation transformers. The articles concern switching converter topics such as the following:


From an overview of the articles presented, the issues of the role of converters in the generation of renewable energy and optimization in smart electricity grids together with the problems of recharging batteries for both energy storage systems and electric traction are predominant. As can be seen from the contributions offered, the key role of new semiconductor devices and advanced converter topologies allows a significant contribution to improving energy efficiency. Due to global problems such as the greenhouse effect, energy shortages, and sustainable mobility, a considerable effort is required towards the use of renewable energy and electrical transmission, storage, and implementation systems in the development of livable urban agglomerations and global life quality. Energy conversion via switching converters plays a crucial role in the development of these necessary technological needs. The studies and results presented, while not exhaustive, move in the direction of a further step towards continuous improvement to which we are all called in our research work. Each small research contribution acts in the growth of the quality of life for the well-being of present and especially future generations.

**Salvatore Musumeci**

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