## 1 Introduction
By relying solely on locally measured signals (without inter-module communication), each converter processes only the differential power needed to mitigate module mismatch, ensuring plug-and-play functionality and improved overall efficiency. In contrast, B2E differential power processing interfaces each module with a common bus, requiring the control to compare a module's operating point against the bus voltage. This allows for more direct and centralized MPPT control on each module relative to the bus, but it also necessitates higher-voltage-rated components and a more complex converter design to accommodate the bus-based power transfers. The distributed MPP approach is more common in DPC; however, some implementations incorporate a bus interphase to minimize the local power processing units and centralize the control strategy, such as [29]. In [9], each PV module is first set to its maximum power point via local MPPT in the differential power processing (DPP) structure, and then the system finds the specific module whose current dictates the substring current that results in the least total processed power (LPP). By turning off that module's DPP converter, the substring current is forced to match that module's MPPT current, thereby minimizing the overall power processed by the remaining converters. In this paper, a hybrid topology is presented with a unique layout, where it combines the advantages of both E2E and B2E architectures while avoiding some of their drawbacks. The following are the salient features of the proposed architecture over existing methods:  
* Simple Converter Topology: A simple and low-rated buck converter is employed as a power optimizer for each module, which does not utilize the magnetic coupling or high frequency transformer, hence the core losses are negligible. * Selective Converter Operation: The selective activation of buck converters ensures that shaded modules adjust their operating points to match the string current, thereby minimizing mismatch losses. * Flexible Layout: The power flow layout of the proposed architecture is such that under shading conditions, the currents of only shaded PV modules are diverted to the output side of their respective buck converters to maintain the common string current. Meanwhile, under uniform condition, a conventional series-connected string is maintained and all converters are in a dormant state. * No Extra Current from Inverter's Node: In order to maintain a common string current, the proposed architecture does not need extra current from the DC-bus or inverter's node, thus avoiding complex topologies, isolated components, intense coordination between converters, and a sophisticated control setup. * Simple Control: The control setup of the proposed architecture is not complex because of its simple layout and involvement of basic converters. * Low Voltage Stress: The switching devices experience low voltage stress in the proposed architecture. Numerous simulation experiments have been performed to test the effectiveness of the proposed architecture under different shading cases, which validate the correct and high efficiency operation of the proposed converter. The comparative analysis also highlights the enhanced features of the proposed architecture over existing solutions. Thus, the proposed architecture will be a sound addition in the distributed PV energy systems.