Abstract: Compound inductors for use in switching regulators have two or more symmetrically coupled windings so the component size is reduced as well as a reduction in power losses compared with conventional inductors. The compound inductors may be used in buck and boost regulators. The compound inductor assembly has a first inductor with a first winding on a first magnetic core, a second inductor with a second magnetic core outside the first winding of the first inductor, and a second winding around the first winding of the first inductor and the second core. One end of the first winding and the corresponding end of the second winding is connected to a common connection such that voltages from an alternating current flowing in the first winding have the same polarity in the first winding and in the second winding.

Abstract: A switch mode power converter includes a snubber diode and a snubber capacitor arranged in series with one another across the switching element of the converter. A discharge path is provided for discharging the capacitor by including a second diode, a switch and an inductor extending in series from the node between the snubber diode and the snubber capacitor to the line side of the transformer. The inductor may be coupled to a winding in series with a diode to allow clamping of the voltage across the inductor.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter includes first and second switches to be opened and closed at mutually exclusive times at a predetermined frequency. The first switch is connected to an inductor and a transformer primary winding so that a first current component from a DC input supply flows through it via the inductor. A second current component having a sinusoidal component flows through the first switch in response to discharge of energy stored in a resonant circuit coupled to the transformer. The second component begins approximately simultaneously with closure of the first switch. The second switch, when closed, is connected so that a bi-directional current component flows through it in response to energy stored in the inductor. The rectifier is connected between the secondary winding and the load so the secondary winding supplies substantial current to the load.