Abstract: A soft-switching DC to DC power converter which minimizes switching losses from a no load condition to a full load condition while operating at fixed frequency. Output voltage control is achieved by controlling the phase angle between the two switching networks. High frequency transformer primaries are always excited with a square wave input voltage equal to ##EQU1## The power converter can be implemented with a single transformer. Moreover, the switch voltage never increases the input DC voltage from no load to full load. The power converter can be used in both low voltage high current applications and high voltage low current applications.

Abstract: A power supply having a control system for permitting intelligent operation. The power supply: (i) is convenient, safe, and easy to program; (ii) is provided with a graceful shutdown in which output filter capacitor(s) are rapidly discharged while minimizing wasted energy; (iii) tracks and optimizes scheduled maintenance; (iv) permits two-way communication between the power supply and its controller; and/or (v) permits intelligent reconfiguration of a group of connected power supplies when one or more fails.

Abstract: Flexible power converters in which many different output power configurations (i.e., different output voltages and currents) may be realized. In particular, a flexible power converter having an output stage configurable as a full bridge having series or parallel secondary windings, a current doubler having series or parallel secondary windings, or a voltage doubler having series or parallel secondary windings.

Abstract: A half bridge power converter which employs a gapped transformer which permits stable asymmetrical operation without the use of a separate choke arranged in parallel with the primary of the transformer. The half bridge power convert may include a small capacitor on its secondary side to cause a high ripple of the output current thereby permitting stable asymmetrical operation with smaller magnetizing currents.

Abstract: A power supply for supplying a load capacitor and comprising a parallel resonant circuit having an inductor and a capacitor, a switching network operating at a frequency at or above the resonant frequency and applying alternating current to the resonant circuit and the primary side of a power transformer, a rectifier for rectifying the induced currents on the secondary winding of the transformer, and applying the rectified output to the load capacitor, and a controller for controlling the output of the power supply based on a comparison of the output voltage V.sub.out with a desired (setpoint) voltage V.sub.prog. The resonant capacitance may consist of the power transformer winding self-capacitance. The resonant inductance may consist of the primary winding of the power transformer. The controller provides switching signals to operate the power supply at the resonant frequency of the resonant tank circuit during a "rapid rate charging mode" at which a maximum output current I.sub.out is applied to the load.

Abstract: A switching power converter employing a novel lossless zero-voltage-switching passive snubber network having a power range of up to 5 KW is presented. The passive snubber network improves efficiency, power density, and transient performance, reduces switching losses and EMI, and permits fixed frequency operation of the switching power converter. The passive snubber network also reduces and/or eliminates large peak currents and reverse recovery current spikes normally seen in conventional switching power converters. The proposed passive snubber network may be used in various switching power converter topologies such as boost, buck, balanced, and flyback power converters.