Forward Converter Topology Research Articles

Dual Outputs Switch Mode Power Supply (DOSMPS) Utilizing Forward Converter Topology

Experimental works of dual, 5 volt DC outputs switch mode power supply (DOSMPS) is presented in this paper. To design, construct and evaluate the DOSMPS using forward converter topology are the objectives of this article. In this work, a 556 timer was picked as the pulse width modulator. The 556 timer was picked because it is widely used, cheap and capable of producing stable dual pulse width modulations. Since, this work targeted dual DC outputs, two forward converter circuits were built. However, switching frequencies at two transistors were controlled by only one 556 timer. The complete circuit of the DOSMPS consist of full bridge rectifier, smoothing capacitor, two high frequency transformers and two forward converter circuits. At the first stage of this work, the DOSMPS circuit was designed using Proteus software. Later, the complete DOSMPS circuit was constructed on two breadbroads after all of the electronic components and devices were available. Important parameters such as the input and output voltages and duty cycles were measured using digital oscilloscope and multimeter. Results from these measurements have shown that the designed circuit can convert single-phase 24 Vrms 50 Hz AC voltage input into dual and stable 5±0.1 V DC outputs. Also from this work, it was observed that, pulsed DC voltages with peak value of 2 V and frequency less than 20 kHz are sufficient in controlling the switching frequencies of both BJT transistors. This allows the regulation of the output voltage within the desired range. Analysis carried out after the measurements has shown close correlation between the theoretical and experimental results, where the calculated and measured switching frequencies had only deviated by 1.1%.

A High Efficiency Modified Forward Converter for Solar Photovoltaic Applications

In this paper, a modification of a conventional forward converter and a new mixed-stranded transformer winding technique are proposed for the development of a simple and high efficiency isolated dc-dc boost converter for solar photovoltaic applications. The conventional single switch forward converter topology is modified for simplification and elimination of losses due to the output filter components. A new mixed-stranded transformer winding technique is proposed to minimize the leakage inductance between the primary and tertiary windings for reducing losses. A pulse frequency modulation technique (PFM) is employed for reducing switching losses at low power operation. An experimental prototype of 300 W with a voltage step-up ratio of 1:12 has been built to obtain dc output voltage between 360-480 V for the dc input voltage of 30-40 V. Through the experimental results, it is shown that the converter can boost the input voltage according to the step-up ratio and exhibits a remarkably high dc-dc power conversion efficiency with a flat response curve. The average efficiency of around 95.5 % and peak efficiency of 97.6% are obtained.

Cryogenic DC/DC Converter for Superconducting Magnet Application

Recent advances in superconductors have led to their increased application in magnets and a requirement to carry ever-larger currents. This article describes the development and implementation of a cryogenic DC/DC converter for supplying a DC excitation current of 500 A for superconducting magnet applications. Practical aspects are addressed and the rationale behind selecting an interleaved forward converter topology is elucidated. Experimental results are given and a ripple content in the load current of less than 5% is estimated.

Research on a new converter topology for energy transmission between spacecrafts

A novel power converter based on dual-transistor forward converter topology is proposed to meet the requirements of high power transmission between spacecrafts. Compared with the traditional two-transistor forward converter, this converter eliminates the secondary filter inductance and the diode of the rectifier. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the new topology reduces the use of magnetic elements, improves the power density of the converter, and improves the parasitic oscillation and reverse recovery of the rectifier diode. The new topology can better meet the requirements of power supply system for high reliability, reducing device stress, increasing the availability of key devices, optimizing system structure and so on.

Developing a pulse trigger generator for a three-electrode spark-gap switch in a transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser.

To improve the probability and stability of breakdown discharge in a three-electrode spark-gap switch for a high-power transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser and to improve the efficiency of its trigger system, we developed a high-voltage pulse trigger generator based on a two-transistor forward converter topology and a multiple-narrow-pulse trigger method. Our design uses a narrow high-voltage pulse (10 μs) to break down the hyperbaric gas between electrodes of the spark-gap switch; a dry high-voltage transformer is used as a booster; and a sampling and feedback control circuit (mainly consisting of a SG3525 and a CD4098) is designed to monitor the spark-gap switch and control the frequency and the number of output pulses. Our experimental results show that this pulse trigger generator could output high-voltage pulses (number is adjusted) with an amplitude of >38 kV and a width of 10 μs. Compared to a conventional trigger system, our design had a breakdown probability increased by 2.7%, an input power reduced by 1.5 kW, an efficiency increased by 0.12, and a loss reduced by 1.512 kW.

Conducted electromagnetic interference evaluation of forward converter with symmetric topology and passive filter

Forward converter is popular for isolated switching power supply. Generally, power switching converters are the sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) because of their high transient voltage and current. In this study, reduction of conducted EMI in the single-switch forward converter is examined using a symmetric topology. At this end, the forward converter topology is modified to achieve a symmetric topology. EMI model of the conventional forward converter and symmetric forward converter are derived taking into account the main parasitic of components and printed circuit tracks. Accuracy of the predicted EMI is verified by the measured EMI for two converters. In addition to the symmetric approach evaluation from the EMI viewpoint, the effect of this approach on the output voltage noise is examined. Finally, the combination of a passive EMI filtering with the symmetric method is utilised for EMC compliance.

광펄스 살균을 위한 다채널 고전압 컨버터의 개발

As the demand for the fresh non-thermal food is increased, it is required to develop the fast and perfect sterilization method. The conventional sterilization method using ultraviolet lamp has some disadvantages such as imperfect sterilization and longer process time. In this research, IPL(Intense Pulsed Light) sterilization system is introduced to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional system, and suitable power supply architecture for the system is discussed. Since the IPL sterilization system uses Zenon lamps which requires the 600~2,100[V] for the lightning and 16~30[kV] for the trigger, the converter for the system should be able to generate the high voltage and to discharge the large amount of energy instantaneously. In this research a new power system architecture which has a modified forward converter topology with two switches for generating high voltage and a capacitor bank to control the energy for the lightning by switching is introduced.

Improved soft switching dual switch forward converter

An improved soft switching dual-switch forward converter topology is proposed in this paper. Compared with conventional dual-switch forward converter, the proposed converter employs an auxiliary switch and a clamp capacitor to instead of two reset diodes. Therefore, its duty cycle can exceed 0.5 to achieve wide range input voltage, also soft switching can be achieved for all switches. Especially, voltage stress across main switches can be clamped at 1/2Vin, voltage stress across auxiliary switch can be clamped at Vin. In addition, due to clamp capacitor series with the transformer, duty ratio can be extended with equation Vo = {Vin(1-D)D}/N. Thus, as a kind of better cost-effective approach, it is very attractive for high input, wide range and high efficiency application.

A forward converter topology with independently and precisely regulated multiple outputs

A forward converter topology with independently and precisely regulated multiple outputs is presented in this paper. In this topology, each regulated output has its own feedback control circuit that controls the appropriate synchronous rectifiers in the pertinent output stage. All output circuits are voltage-decoupled from each other, and the cross-regulation between the outputs is eliminated. Steady state analysis as well as small signal modeling is performed to understand the topology and to provide design guidance. A prototype circuit with two outputs is built, and experimental results are presented for proof-of-concept.

A forward converter topology employing a resonant auxiliary circuit to achieve soft switching and power transformer resetting

This paper presents a forward converter topology that employs a small resonant auxiliary circuit. The advantages of the proposed topology include soft switching in both the main and auxiliary switches, recovery of the leakage inductance energy, simplified power transformer achieving self-reset without using the conventional reset winding, simple gate drive and control circuit, etc. Steady-state analysis is performed herein, and a design procedure is presented for general applications. A 35-75-Vdc to 5 Vdc 100-W prototype converter switched at a frequency of 200 kHz is built to verify the design, and 90% overall efficiency has been obtained experimentally at full load.

A novel zero-voltage and zero-current switching PWM DC-DC converter with reduced conduction losses

A novel zero-voltage and zero-current switching PWM DC-DC converter with low conduction losses is presented in this paper. A new interleaved two-switch forward soft-switching converter topology is developed to minimize circulating current with no additional auxiliary circuits. This converter has many advantages such as less components, better efficiency, high power density and cost efficiency for high power applications. The principle of operation is illustrated together with steady-state analysis. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed converter topology is verified by implementing a 500 W-100 kHz breadboard using IGBTs.

A self core reset and zero voltage switching forward converter topology

A self core reset and zero voltage switching (ZVS) forward converter topology is presented in this paper. By employing a simple auxiliary circuit, the proposed topology is able to achieve self reset of the power transformer without the use of the conventional tertiary reset winding, and its main switch can be turned on and turned off under ZVS independent of line and load conditions. This simplifies the power transformer, and the switching losses are substantially removed to improve the overall efficiency. Steady state analysis of the circuit is performed. Based on the analysis, a design procedure is presented, and the effects of the circuit parameters on the flux excursion of the power transformer are investigated to make sure self reset can be achieved without increasing the core losses. Simulation and experiment on a 5 V, 100 W prototype circuit operated at 200 kHz are carried out to verify the design, about 5% higher overall efficiency is obtained in the prototype converter than in its conventional counterpart.

Flyback vs. Forward Converter Topology Comparison Based Upon Magnetic Design

Based on approximative equations for single step calculation design procedures, a simple method useful to adopt the most suitable topology in low power DC to DC conversion is derived from the volume calculation of the magnetic cores needed.

A high-frequency two-switch forward converter with optimized performance

The analysis and design of a high-frequency two-switch forward converter topology with transformer flux balancing and extended duty cycle capability are presented. To improve converter performance, an auxiliary circuit connected in parallel with each power switch is proposed. This auxiliary circuit uses a low-power switch or a nonlinear resistor connected in series with a capacitor. As a result, the DC component of the magnetizing current is minimized, and the converter provides the means of recovering the energy associated with the parasitic inductances of the circuit components. Thus, higher than usual efficiency and higher operating frequencies are obtained. Experimental results are presented for a 4 kW, 40 kHz prototype unit. >