Showing papers on "Forward converter published in 2004"

A monolithic current-mode CMOS DC-DC converter with on-chip current-sensing technique

Abstract: A monolithic current-mode CMOS DC-DC converter with integrated power switches and a novel on-chip current sensor for feedback control is presented in this paper. With the proposed accurate on-chip current sensor, the sensed inductor current, combined with the internal ramp signal, can be used for current-mode DC-DC converter feedback control. In addition, no external components and no extra I/O pins are needed for the current-mode controller. The DC-DC converter has been fabricated with a standard 0.6-/spl mu/m CMOS process. The measured absolute error between the sensed signal and the inductor current is less than 4%. Experimental results show that this converter with on-chip current sensor can operate from 300 kHz to 1 MHz with supply voltage from 3 to 5.2 V, which is suitable for single-cell lithium-ion battery supply applications. The output ripple voltage is about 20 mV with a 10-/spl mu/F off-chip capacitor and 4.7-/spl mu/H off-chip inductor. The power efficiency is over 80% for load current from 50 to 450 mA.

Novel high-efficiency step-up converter

Abstract: As a result of the equivalent series resistor of the boost inductor, conventional boost converters are not able to provide high voltage gain. A high-efficiency high step-up converter is proposed, with low voltage stress on power switch, power diodes and output capacitors. The circuit topology of the proposed converter consists of an energy clamp circuit and a voltage boost cell. The boost converter functions as an active clamp circuit to suppress the voltage spike on power switch during the turn-off transient period. The boost converter output terminal and flyback converter output terminal are serially connected to increase the output voltage gain with the coupled inductor. By serially connecting the secondary windings of the boost inductor, a high voltage gain is achieved with less voltage stress on the power devices, such as power MOSFET and power diodes. The operational principle and steady-state analysis are described. A 35 W converter with simulation and experimental results is presented to demonstrate the performance. It shows that the efficiency of the proposed converter is very high (nearly 93%) with four times the voltage output.

Characteristics of the multiple-input DC-DC converter

Abstract: In the zero-emission electric power generation system, a multiple-input DC-DC converter is useful to obtain the regulated output voltage from several input power sources such as a solar array, wind generator, fuel cell, and so forth. A new multiple-input DC-DC converter is proposed and analyzed. As a result, the static and dynamic characteristics are clarified theoretically, and the results are confirmed by experiment.

A low voltage, dynamic, noninverting, synchronous buck-boost converter for portable applications

Abstract: With the increasing use of low voltage portable devices and growing requirements of functionalities embedded into such devices, efficient power management techniques are needed for longer battery life. Given the highly variable nature of batteries (e.g., 2.7-4.2 V for Li-ion), systems often require supply voltages to be both higher and lower than the battery voltage (e.g., power amplifier for CDMA applications), while supplying significant current, which is most efficiently generated by a noninverting buck-boost switching converter. In this paper, the design and experimental results of a new dynamic, noninverting, synchronous buck-boost converter for low voltage, portable applications is reported. The converter's output voltage is dynamically adjustable (on-the-fly) from 0.4 to 4.0 V, while capable of supplying a maximum load current of 0.65 A from an input supply of 2.4-3.4 V. The worst-case response time of the converter for a 0.4 to 4 V step change in its output voltage (corresponding to a 0.2 to 2 V step at its reference input) is less than 300 /spl mu/sec and to a load-current step of 0 to 0.5 A is within 200 /spl mu/sec, yielding only a transient error of 40 mV in the output voltage. This paper also presents a nonmathematical, intuitive analysis of the time-averaged, small-signal model of a noninverting buck-boost converter.

A novel soft-commutating isolated boost full-bridge ZVS-PWM DC-DC converter for bidirectional high power applications

Abstract: A soft-commutating method and control scheme for an isolated boost full bridge converter is proposed in this paper to implement dual operation of the well-known soft switching full bridge DC/DC (buck) converter for bi-directional high power applications. It provides a unique commutation logic to minimize a mismatch between current in the current-fed inductor and current in the leakage inductance of the transformer when commutation takes place, significantly reducing the power rating for a voltage clamping snubber and enabling use of a simple passive clamped snubber. To minimize the mismatch, the method and control scheme utilizes the resonant tank and freewheeling path in the existing full bridge inverter at the voltage-fed side to preset the current in the leakage inductance of the transformer in a resonant manner. Zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) is also achieved for all the switches at the voltage-fed side inverter in boost mode operation. The proposed soft-commutating method is verified through boost mode operation of a 3 kW bidirectional isolated full bridge DC/DC converter developed for fuel cell electric vehicle (EV) applications.

High-efficiency DC-DC converter with high voltage gain and reduced switch stress

Abstract: In this study, a high-efficiency DC-DC converter with high voltage gain and reduced switch stress is proposed. In the proposed topology, a three-winding coupled inductor is used for providing a high voltage gain without extreme switch duty-cycle and enhancing the utility rate of magnetic core. Moreover, the energy in the leakage inductor is released directly to the output terminal for avoiding the phenomenon of circulating current and the production of switch surge voltage. In addition, the delay time formed with the cross of primary and secondary currents of the coupled inductor is manipulated to alleviate the reverse-recovery current of the output diode. It can achieve the aim of high-efficiency power conversion. Furthermore, the closed-loop control methodology is utilized in the proposed scheme to overcome the voltage drift problem of the power source under the variation of loads. Some experimental results via an example of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) power source with 250 watts nominal rating are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed power conversion strategy.

Prototype of multiphase modular-multilevel-converter with 2 MW power rating and 17-level-output-voltage

Abstract: A versatile prototype converter system of the new modular-multilevel converter (M/sup 2/LC) family is introduced. The new concept stands out due to its stringent modular construction as well as its extremely good control characteristics. This new M/sup 2/LC concept is well suitable for a wide range of high voltage applications. The basic working principle as well as the static and dynamic behaviour is explained in detail on a single-phase AC/AC-converter enabling four-quadrant operation. The M/sup 2/LC-family has already been introduced and examined for applications like traction converters, operating directly on the power line, and network interties [Marquardt, R et al., 2003 and Lesnicar, A et al., 2002]. With this prototype converter system, the characteristics of various different M/sup 2/LC-topologies can be investigated, including single or three phase DC/AC converters as well as multiphase AC/AC converters. The prototype converter has been designed in such a way that its configuration can be quickly changed between wide ranges of topologies. A flexible control system has been implemented, which is capable of controlling up to 32 IGBTs per converter arm, independently. Next to the presentation of the converter and its control system, measurement results are presented including converter operation.

Low cost fuel cell converter system for residential power generation

Abstract: The high installation cost is the major obstacle of the commercialization of the solid oxide fuel cell for distributed power generation. This paper presents a new low cost 10-kW converter system to overcome this obstacle. The proposed system consists of an isolated dc-dc converter to boost the fuel cell voltage to 400 V dc and a pulse-width modulated inverter with filter to convert the dc voltage to two split-phase 120-V ac. The dc-dc converter uses phase shifting to control power flow through a transformer with a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor full bridge on the low voltage side and a voltage doubler on the high voltage side. One IPM is used to realize the voltage doubler and the dc-ac inverter. Compared to the existing fuel cell converter systems, the proposed circuit has low cost, less component count, smaller size, and reduced dc-dc converter peak current. Simulation and experimental results are demonstrated.

Efficiency analysis of low- and medium- voltage DC distribution systems

Abstract: In this paper, sustainability aspects connected to the use of dc for power delivery in low- and medium-voltage distribution systems are treated. The efficiency of an example AC system, a DC system and a mixed AC-DC system are calculated and compared. It is shown that, under the assumption of a substantial reduction in semiconductor losses, the total system losses decrease using DC. This means that for the same energy delivered, less energy must be produced from the available sources, thereby indirectly reducing the environmental impact of energy production. Moreover, the DC system seems to lead to better utilization of the HV/MV transformer, so that the same system can be expanded to supply a higher load without changing the transformer.

Switching power converter and method of controlling output voltage thereof using predictive sensing of magnetic flux

Abstract: A switching power converter and method of controlling an output voltage thereof using predictive sensing of magnetic flux provides a low-cost switching power converter via primary-side control using a primary-side winding. An integrator generates a voltage that represents flux within a magnetic element by integrating a primary-side winding voltage. A detection circuit detects the end of a half-cycle of post-conduction resonance that occurs in the power magnetic element subsequent to zero energy level in the power magnetic element. The integrator voltage is stored at the end of the half-cycle and is used to determine a sampling point prior to or equal to the start of post-conduction resonance in a subsequent switching cycle of the power converter. The primary-side winding voltage is then sampled at the sampling point, providing an indication of the output voltage of the power converter by which the output voltage of the converter can be controlled.

Analysis and control of a buck DC-DC converter operating with constant power load in sea and undersea vehicles

Abstract: Power-electronics-based zonal direct current (dc) power distribution systems are being considered for sea and undersea vehicles. The stability of the dc power-electronics-based power distribution systems is a significant design consideration because of the potential for negative-impedance-induced instabilities. In this paper, the dynamic properties and control of a buck converter feeding a downstream dc-dc converter are studied. The controller in this system combines an instantaneous current feedback loop using hysteresis with a proportional-integral (PI) algorithm to regulate the output voltage of the converter. Based on a large-signal-averaged model of the converter, the stability-in-large around the operation point is presented. The complete analysis is carried out considering a buck dc-dc converter operating with a constant power load (CPL). Simulations and experimental results are provided to verify the analysis.

Power supply with uninterruptible function

Abstract: A power supply provided with: an AC/DC converter which receives AC power, converts the AC power into DC power, and outputs the DC power; a DC/DC converter which receives the DC power from the AC/DC converter, and controls a level of an output voltage of the DC/DC converter to be equal to a level of a voltage to be used by a load while the DC/DC converter supplies the output voltage to the load; a DC converter which is connected to an input of the DC/DC converter; and a DC power storage means which supplies electric power to the DC/DC converter through the DC converter.

New two-inductor boost converter with auxiliary transformer

Abstract: A new, two-inductor, two-switch boost converter topology and its variations suitable for applications with a large difference between the input and output voltage are described. The output voltage regulation of the proposed converters is achieved in a wide load and input-voltage range with constant-frequency control by employing an auxiliary transformer that couples the current paths of the two boost inductors.

A new ZVT-ZCT-PWM DC-DC converter

Abstract: In this paper, a new active snubber cell is proposed to contrive a new family of pulse width modulated (PWM) converters. This snubber cell provides zero voltage transition (ZVT) turn on and zero current transition (ZCT) turn off together for the main switch of a converter. Also, the snubber cell is implemented by using only one quasi resonant circuit without an important increase in the cost and complexity of the converter. New ZVT-ZCT-PWM converter equipped with the proposed snubber cell provides most the desirable features of both ZVT and ZCT converters presented previously, and overcomes most the drawbacks of these converters. Subsequently, the new converter can operate with soft switching successfully at very wide line and load ranges and at considerably high frequencies. Moreover, all semiconductor devices operate under soft switching, the main devices do not have any additional voltage and current stresses, and the stresses on the auxiliary devices are at low levels. Also, the new converter has a simple structure, low cost and ease of control. In this study, a detailed steady state analysis of the new converter is presented, and this theoretical analysis is verified exactly by a prototype of a 1-kW and 100-kHz boost converter.

Three level LLC series resonant DC/DC converter

Abstract: Paper presents a three level soft switching LLC series resonant DC/DC converter. ZVS is achieved for each main switch without any auxiliary circuit. Voltage stress of each main switch is half of input voltage. ZCS is achieved for rectifier diodes. Wide input/output range can be achieved under low frequency range because of two-stage resonance. Only one magnetic component is needed in this converter. Efficiency is higher in high line input, so this converter is fit for power products with hold up time requirement. The principle of operation and the characteristics of the new converter are analyzed and verified on a 500 V/spl sim/700 V input 54 V/10 A output experimental prototype, whose efficiency is 94.1% at rating condition.

Positive output multiple-lift push-pull switched-capacitor Luo-converters

Abstract: Micro-power-consumption technique requires high-power-density dc/dc converters and power supply source. Voltage lift technique is a popular method to apply in electronic circuit design. Since a switched capacitor can be integrated into a power IC chip, its size is small. Combining switched-capacitor and voltage lift technique can construct dc/dc converters with small size, high power density, high-voltage transfer gain, high power efficiency, and low electromagnetic interference. This paper introduces a new series of dc/dc converters-positive output multiple-lift push-pull switched-capacitor dc/dc Luo-converters.

Dc-dc converter with reduced electromagnetic interference

Abstract: A DC-DC converter includes a variable frequency oscillator (36), a control system and a power train. The DC-DC converter is well suited for use in a cell phone. The control system uses the output of the oscillator to control the power train. The oscillator varies its frequency as a function of a pseudo random number generator (60), thereby reducing electromagnetic interference caused by ripple in the output of the DC-DC converter.

A 150 kVA vector controlled matrix converter induction motor drive

Abstract: This paper describes the design, construction, and testing of a 150-kVA closed-loop vector-controlled matrix converter induction motor drive. The primary objective of this research effort is to evaluate the utility of the matrix converter in electric vehicle applications, primarily for motor control. A prototype converter has been built using 600-A 1400-V insulated gate bipolar transistors. Closed-loop vector control has been implemented and tested using a 150-hp induction motor load. This paper presents the design of this converter along with practical test results, representing the largest matrix converter built to date.

A circuit for maintaining hold-up time while reducing bulk capacitor size and improving efficiency in a power supply

Abstract: A circuit that utilizes most of the energy stored in the bulk capacitor of an AC to DC or DC to DC converter power supply by providing an intermediate converter between a first stage boost converter and a DC-DC converter. When the bulk voltage starts to fall during the hold-up time, the intermediate converter boosts the falling voltage to maintain the regulated DC input to the DC to DC converter while reducing the operating range and increasing the operating duty cycle, so as to increase efficiency, reduce peak current and voltage stresses, reduce the size of output filter components and reduce the size of the bulk capacitance by up to half.

Predictive digital current controllers for switching power converters

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a controlled output voltage for a switching power converter under current control using pulse width modulation, the switching power converter including a predictive digital current-mode controller and a digital pulse width modulator. The current control results in an unstable output voltage, and the pulse width modulation method is selected to eliminate the instability of the output voltage.

Low-voltage-swing monolithic dc-dc conversion

Abstract: A low-voltage-swing MOSFET gate drive technique is proposed in this paper for enhancing the efficiency characteristics of high-frequency-switching dc-dc converters. The parasitic power dissipation of a dc-dc converter is reduced by lowering the voltage swing of the power transistor gate drivers. A comprehensive circuit model of the parasitic impedances of a monolithic buck converter is presented. Closed-form expressions for the total power dissipation of a low-swing buck converter are proposed. The effect of reducing the MOSFET gate voltage swings is explored with the proposed circuit model. A range of design parameters is evaluated, permitting the development of a design space for full integration of active and passive devices of a low-swing buck converter on the same die, for a target CMOS technology. The optimum gate voltage swing of a power MOSFET that maximizes efficiency is lower than a standard full voltage swing. An efficiency of 88% at a switching frequency of 102 MHz is achieved for a voltage conversion from 1.8 to 0.9 V with a low-swing dc-dc converter based on a 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. The power dissipation of a low-swing dc-dc converter is reduced by 27.9% as compared to a standard full-swing dc-dc converter.

Power conversion system and method of converting power

Abstract: A power conversion system includes a first converter having a DC side and an AC side and a second converter having a DC side and an AC side. The DC sides of the converters are connected in series with a battery connected in parallel across the DC side of the first converter. The AC sides of the converters are connected in parallel across an AC voltage grid. A DC generating power source is coupled across the DC sides of both converters. The first converter is bi-directional with the second converter being either an inverter providing DC to AC conversion or alternately a bi-directional inverter.

Fuel cell power system and high power DC-DC converter

Abstract: This paper discusses the principle and electrical characteristics of the fuel cell, designs an innovative hybrid power system, and proposes a new DC/DC converter scheme to combine the fuel cell with the storage system. An effective converter scheme for the fuel cell is obtained by analyzing the high efficient topology as well as the phase shifted pulse-width modulation. Through comparing several different control modes of converters, a 75-kW prototype system is constructed, moreover, which steady-state operating characteristics are illustrated and discussed in detail. At last, experimental results are also shown to verify the proposed scheme.

Power converter for a solar panel

Abstract: A solar array power generation system includes a solar array electrically connected to a control system. The solar array has a plurality of solar modules, each module having at least one DC/DC converter for converting the raw panel output to an optimized high voltage, low current output. In a further embodiment, each DC/DC converter requires a signal to enable power output of the solar modules.

Power supply for lighting

Abstract: A switching circuit for turning on/off a DC voltage outputted from a DC/DC converter and a feedback voltage detection circuit for supplying a feedback voltage to the DC/DC converter are controlled in synchronism with each other. In synchronism with a transition of a PWM signal from high level to low level, the switching circuit is immediately turned off as well as a set voltage is also instantaneously supplied from the feedback voltage detection circuit to the DC/DC converter, and in synchronism with a transition of the PWM signal from low level to high level, the switching circuit is immediately turned on thereby to supply a DC voltage charged in the DC/DC converter to a light source as well as the DC/DC converter is caused to start its boosting operation, and a feedback voltage based on a detected voltage is supplied from the feedback voltage detection circuit to the DC/DC converter.

A novel ZVS DC/DC converter for high power applications

Abstract: This paper presents a novel zero voltage switch (ZVS) pulse-width modulation (PWM) DC/DC converter for high power, high output voltage applications. By using two active switches in the secondary side of a transformer, the proposed converter achieves not only ZVS of the active switches in the entire load ranges but also soft commutation of the output rectifier diodes. The proposed topology has simple structure and control strategy. Simulation results and experimental results of a 2.8 kW 200 kHz DC/DC converter are presented.

A novel three-phase single-stage distributed power inverter

Abstract: In this paper, a novel three-phase, DC/AC converter suitable for distributed power applications is proposed. The system consists of three DC/DC boost converters with a common point and operating as a three-phase inverter with intrinsic step-up capability. The converter obtained can invert, amplify and, where possible, regenerate bidirectional power sources such as fuel-cells, small gas turbines, and photovoltaic arrays. There are two main advantages to the system: the use of only six insulated gate bipolar transistors and small passive elements, and the fact that it does not need reverse voltage blocking capability. Simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed system during both steady-state and dynamic operations.

Modeling of a new ZVS bi-directional dc-dc converter

Abstract: A dual half-bridge (DHB) bidirectional dc-dc converter is a new proposed topology that has the advantages of decreased number of devices, soft-switching implementation, low cost, and high efficiency. Typical applications of this converter are the auxiliary power supply in fuel cell vehicles and battery charging and discharging systems where the power density, cost, weight, and reliability are critical factors. A switching-frequency-dependent state-space averaged model of the converter is developed here for either direction of power flow. This averaged model can be used to derive the steady-state characteristics and small signal dynamics of the proposed topology. It also provides a fast simulation tool to investigate the transient response of the converter. The simulated waveforms of the mathematical model are compared with the detailed circuit simulation to verify the accuracy of the modeling.

Input-series and output-series connected modular DC-DC converters with active input voltage and output voltage sharing

Abstract: This paper proposes a new modular configuration, namely the input-series and output-series connection for DC-DC converters. A three-loop control scheme, including a dedicated input voltage controller is proposed to achieve equal sharing of the input as well output voltages by the series connected modules. The reference to the input voltage loop is chosen as the average of all converter input voltages. Such a reference minimizes the interaction among the various control loops. The proposed scheme is validated experimentally on a 400 W prototype system comprising of two forward converters.

Analysis and design of phase shift full bridge converter with series-connected two transformers

Abstract: A new phase shift full bridge (PSFB) converter with series-connected two transformers is proposed. The proposed converter shows wide zero voltage switching (ZVS) ranges and no output inductor is needed since each transformer individually acts as an inductor or a transformer during different times of the switching cycle. The operational principle, large signal modeling, and design equations are presented. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed converter can achieve a significant improvement in the efficiency for a 100W (5 V, 20 A) telecommunication on-board power supply.