This paper presents modeling and a comparative study of three intelligent optimization techniques for optimal design and analysis of a bi-directional dc-dc converter with synchronous rectification. Two converter models for the forward and backup mode of operation are analyzed and the simulation results are compared to those of the expected ideal operation to confirm the validity of the models. A constrained optimization of the converter efficiency in the forward mode of operation is performed by using Genetic Algorithm (GA), Scatter Search (SS) and Simulated Annealing (SA) techniques to derive the optimal parameters. The design and analysis of the converter are carried out by using software tools within the MATLAB/ SIMULINK environment for GA, and for SA and SS techniques the codes are written in C language. The optimal parameters of the converter derived by the three intelligent techniques are compared. © 2011 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved.