Yes, there are topologies and controllers that can do buck or boost automatically. Linear Tech and others make such devices. You need two output MOSFETs to accomplish this and sometimes a series ceramic capacitor like the SEEPIC.
Yes, there are topologies and controllers that can do buck or boost automatically. Linear Tech and others make such devices. You need two output MOSFETs to accomplish this and sometimes a series ceramic capacitor like the SEEPIC.
I agree that LTC3780 looks like a good fit. The only major restriction is that Vin must be less that 36 volts and to produce buck-boost, it uses four external MOSFETS.
You can download the LTSPICE for free which can simulate the switcher. They also have a sample spice netlist for using the LTC3780, so you do not have to build up the schematic yourself for simulation.