Abstract: A DC/DC converter device is provided that employs a clamp device to limit the peak voltage of a main power switch coupled to a primary winding of a transformer. The clamp device is driven employing a driver circuit coupled to a level shifter circuit. The level shifter circuit shifts the voltage level transitions of a clamp device drive signal from a first voltage level range to a second voltage level range to drive the clamp device with a voltage that is outside a voltage range of an input supply voltage.

Abstract: A power converter having a primary circuit (e.g. full bridge) and a secondary circuit (e.g. current doubler) has switches in the secondary circuit that are controlled by a drive circuit. The drive circuit is connected to a swing node in the primary circuit, and is powered by the primary circuit. The drive circuit has an isolation device such as a transformer to provide electrical isolation between the primary circuit and secondary circuit. The drive circuit provides a current source for driving the secondary switch gates, thereby reducing power consumption. The present drive circuit provides clean gate drive signals without noise and oscillations. The drive circuits of the invention are simple, and require only a few components.

Abstract: A technique for controlling a power supply with power supply control element with a tap element. In one embodiment, a power supply regulator includes a power transistor having first, second, third and fourth terminals. A control circuit is included, which is coupled to the third and fourth terminals of the power transistor. The power transistor is configured to switch a current between the first and second terminals in response a control signal received from the control circuit at the third terminal. A voltage between the fourth and second terminals of the power transistor is substantially proportional to a current flowing between the first and second terminals when a voltage between the first and second terminals is less than a pinch off voltage. The voltage between the fourth and second terminals of the power transistor is substantially constant and less than the voltage between the first and second terminals when the voltage between the first and second terminals is greater than the pinch off voltage.

Abstract: A power converter having a primary circuit (e.g. full bridge) and a secondary circuit (e.g. current doubler) has switches in the secondary circuit that are controlled by a drive circuit. The drive circuit is connected to a swing node in the primary circuit, and is powered by the swing node. The drive circuit has an isolation device such as a transformer to provide electrical isolation between the primary circuit and secondary circuit. The drive circuit provides a current source for driving the secondary switch gates, thereby reducing power consumption. The present drive circuit provides clean gate drive signals without noise and oscillations. The drive circuits of the invention are simple, and require only a few components.

Abstract: Power Factor Correction (PFC) “flyboost” cell, with a transformer having primary winding connected to input power and secondary winding connected to output rectifier, which has both functions of a flyback transformer and boost inductor. Combining the flyboost cell with DC/DC conversion cells, forms a single-stage PFC converters. Both cells share one main switch and one controller. Letting the flyboost cell operate at Discontinuous Conduction Mode, requires a simple control for high power factor. Through flyboost cell, part of output power is processed once by main switch, and is referred to as direct power transfer (DPT), which will significantly improve efficiency. The flyboost cell will automatically limit the DC bus voltage through flyboost transformer turn ratio. The converters are suitable for universal voltage applications.

Abstract: Chopper-type direct-current converter comprising a magnetic core (M), which comprises a first and a second side leg (MS1, MS2), the ends of which are connected to each other with pieces, and a center leg provided with an air gap and connected to the end pieces between the first and the second side legs. According to the invention, the secondary side filter coil is wound around the center leg. The primary and secondary windings are wound around the side legs so that the magnetic flux produced by them flows in the same direction as the magnetic flux of the filter coil.

Abstract: In a switching power supply device, the operating voltage is supplied to the power-factor improvement control circuit when the switching power supply device is operating under normal operating load. Thereby, the booster chopper circuit is controlled by the power-factor improvement control circuit so as to improve the power factor of the device. By contrast, during the non-oscillation period while the switching control circuit is in the intermittent oscillation mode when the power consumption is small, the voltage induced in the auxiliary winding drops. Accordingly, the voltage of the auxiliary power supply also drops. Furthermore, when the driving voltage to be supplied to the power-factor improvement control circuit is reduced below the operating voltage thereof by the voltage reduction circuit, the power-factor improvement control circuit stops functioning, thereby reducing power consumption accordingly.

Abstract: A switching power supply (30) includes a compensation circuit (58) which monitors a transformers (36) primary side to provide a voltage compensation signal, COMPV. A transistor inductor current, VTRAN is fed to the compensation circuit (58) to establish a DC level proportional to the peak primary side inductor current flowing through a power transistor (38). VTRAN is fed to a multiplier circuit (98). The output of the multiplier circuit (98) is scaled by a resistor (80) to establish the compensation signal, COMPV at the output to the compensation circuit (58). When at current limit, an amplifier (66) becomes saturated causing a diode (68) to reverse bias, effectively removing compensation signal COMPV from operation. An amplifier (70) falls into a linear region and a diode (74) becomes forward bias forcing compensation signal COMPC into operation providing regulation to the output of the switching power supply (30) at current limit.

Abstract: A single-stage converter improving power factor. The single-stage converter includes a power factor improving unit, a bridge diode unit, a voltage smoothing condenser, a transformer circuit unit, and a main switch. The power factor improving unit is connected to a input power source, the bridge diode unit is located next to the power factor improving unit and provides a current path, the voltage smoothing condenser stores electrical energy provided through the bridge diode unit, the transformer circuit unit is located between the bridge diode unit and the voltage smoothing condenser, and the main switch is connected to each of the bridge diode unit, the voltage smoothing condenser, and the transformer circuit unit and controls provision of voltage to the transformer circuit unit. Thus, the single-stage converter can improve the power factor of the input terminal.

Abstract: An electronic converter having an input circuit and an output circuit which, in addition to the converter function, carries out power-factor correction. A control circuit opens and closes an electronic switch as a function of the output voltage from the converter circuit and the voltage which is dropped across a current measurement sensor. The circuit has a logic ground LM and a power ground PM at different electrical potentials.

Abstract: In a normal operation mode, a mode changeover controller 8 continuously operates a PWM control circuit 6 so as to operate a switching element 5 at the basic oscillation frequency. In a standby mode, the mode changeover controller 8 intermittently operates the PWM control circuit 6 so as to turn on the switching element 5 at a given repetition interval and for a given time period. This repetition interval is shorter than a time for decreasing an output voltage from a rectifying and smoothing circuit 20 down to a guaranteed load operating voltage due to power consumption of the load and the rectifying and smoothing circuit 20 in the standby mode and is longer than a time for entering a sonic frequency band. That time period is longer than a time for stabilizing an output from the rectifying and smoothing circuit 20 and is longer than a time for entering a sonic frequency band.

Abstract: A method and circuit for clamping a voltage across a switching element in a forward converter circuit to a value equal to or less than the DC bus voltage. The disclosed circuit and method achieves voltage clamping in a circuit configuration in which two series connected direct current (DC) bus capacitors are connected in parallel with a switching element to be clamped. Clamping is further achieved by selecting capacitor values to be sufficiently large so as to maintain a constant voltage throughout each switching cycle of the switching element. The capacitors serve a second function in that they recover energy stored in the windings of an isolation transformer which would otherwise be dissipated in a conventional circuit design.

Abstract: A power supply unit having: transformer (2) with primary winding (2p) connected to D.C. power supply (1); switching element (3) connected to the primary winding (2p) of the transformer (2); forward controller (4) for controlling the switching element (3); rectifier element (5), choke coil (7), switching element (19) and smoothing circuit (8), all connected in series between secondary winding of the transformers (2) and output terminal (9); rectifier element (6) connected in parallel with the rectifier element (5) and the secondary winding; and switching element (21) and smoothing circuit (22) connected in series between an output terminal of the rectifier elements (5) and output terminal 24. The forward controller (4) controls the switching element (3) responsive to an output voltage of the smoothing circuit (8). Divider control circuit (23) controls the switching element (21) responsive to an output voltage of the smoothing circuit (22).

Abstract: A switching power circuit having a power factor improving circuit for a composite resonance type converter, wherein a switching pulse is fed back from a tertiary winding, which is coiled around an insulating converter transformer, via a series resonance capacitor. And a rectified current is turned on and off by a fast recovery diode in accordance with the feedback output, hence achieving power factor improvement. In this structure, a smoothing capacitor is charged with the resonance current even during an off-period of the fast recovery diode due to the resonance of a series resonance circuit including the series resonance capacitor. This circuit configuration eliminates the necessity of selection of a higher withstand voltage relative to the primary-side smoothing capacitor by suppressing rise of the DC input voltage in a no-load state.

Abstract: A multi-output switching power source apparatus having a plurality of outputs, wherein electric power regenerated from a load side to one of the outputs can be output as electric power supplied to other loads. The switching power source apparatus comprises a main switching circuit for turning ON/OFF the voltage of a DC power source and for inputting the voltage to the primary winding of a transformer, secondary switching circuits for rectifying AC voltages induced across the output windings, output capacitors for smoothing and outputting the voltages, and a control drive circuit for adjusting the ON/OFF periods of the switching circuits. The outputs are short-circuited during the OFF period of the main switching circuit via the transformer, whereby the fluctuations of the output voltages can be controlled.

Abstract: The invention is a DC-DC converter in which the voltage across the main switch due to the leakage inductance of the transformer is clamped and a pair of capacitors play the role of lossless turn-off snubbers to recycle the leakage energy of the transformer instead of dissipating the energy so as to improve the circuit efficiency. The DC-DC converter has a voltage source which is connected to a switch. A transformer first primary winding is in series with a first capacitor. This winding and capacitor are connected across the voltage source and switch. A transformer second primary winding is in series with a second capacitor. They are also connected across the voltage source and switch. The transformer first and second primary windings have first and second leakage inductances respectively. A first diode has one terminal connected to terminals of the transformer first primary winding and the first capacitor.

Abstract: A power supply (500) with vertical field effect transistor synchronous rectifiers (VFET1 and VFET2) having drivers (VFET Driver1 and VFET Driver2) which provide bipolar mode of operation by diode clamping an inductor overshoot which forwards biases the gate-source junction. The rectifiers have low on resistance useful in low output voltage power supplies.

Abstract: A magnetic core has an open magnetic path and includes a magnetic body forming the open magnetic path and having a soft magnetic property, and a permanent magnet at least at one end of the magnetic path of the magnetic body. A coil assembly includes the magnetic core having the open magnetic path. The magnetic core includes the magnetic body forming the open magnetic path and having the soft magnetic property. The coil assembly also includes the permanent magnet at least at one end of the magnetic path of the magnetic body, and at least one coil having at least one turn wound around the magnetic core. A power supply circuit includes the coil assembly. The coil assembly includes the magnetic core having the open magnetic path. The magnetic core includes the magnetic body forming the open magnetic path and having the soft magnetic property.

Abstract: A high efficiency power converter for generating a high voltage from a low voltage supply. The power converter includes a resonant circuit in electrical communication with the low voltage supply via a switch. The power converter further includes a control circuit in electrical communication with the switch and a resonant inductor of the resonant circuit. The control circuit is operative to open and close the switch in response to the current flowing through the resonant inductor. A transformer is connected parallel to the resonant inductor and is operative to generate the high output voltage from the voltage of the resonant inductor. In the preferred embodiment, the switch is closed at the point in time when the current in the resonant inductor passes zero. At this time, switching conditions within the switch are ideal such that any losses experienced by the switch are conduction losses thereby resulting in improved efficiency of the power converter.

Abstract: A forward DC/DC converter with an active clamp that is driven directly from the primary or secondary of the transformer. The clamp may be on the input or the output circuit and may be of either N-type ot P-type MOSFETs or of bipolar transistors.

Abstract: In order to achieve complete short-circuit protection irrespective of a location of a short-circuit in a switched-mode power supply having a controllable switch in a primary circuit, the controllable switch is opened when a voltage drop across an electrolytic capacitor in a primary circuit falls below a threshold value which can be predetermined. For this purpose, a capacitive voltage device containing two capacitances is connected in parallel with the electrolytic capacitor. A potential at a center tap of the capacitive voltage divider is compared in a comparator with a reference voltage, which opens the controllable switch when the potential at the center tap falls below the reference voltage.

Abstract: A DC-DC converter circuit includes a transformer with a resonate filter or snubber connected at a primary side and a switch for controlling operation of the converter. A secondary side of the transformer includes self-driven synchronous rectifiers and an output filter. Transistors are provided at the gates leads of the rectifiers and themselves are provided with a fixed voltage at their gates so as to clamp the peak voltages across to the rectifiers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dc-to-dc converter controlled by a rectangular signal comprising an input for a direct voltage source (VDC), a transformer comprising a primary coil (1) connected to the direct voltage source (VDC) and a D2 secondary coil (2), a single switch (S) series-connected with the primary (1) and the direct voltage source (VDC), an output comprising the transformer secondary (2) and at least a tertiary coil (3) located in the proximity of the primary (1) and secondary (2) coils at the transformer core series-connected with a first diode (D1).

Abstract: A method for reducing power losses in a semiconductor switching device in a switching power converter by continuously monitoring an instantaneous power dissipation signal in the switching device and creating an appropriate correction signal to optimize that parasitic power dissipation. A multitude of strobed current and voltage measurement signals associated with the switching device are obtained over a time period using a pair of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). These measurement signals are used to calculate the multitude of instantaneous power signals, then to derive an average power dissipation signal for a complete cycle and create the correction signal based on a comparison with a reference signal in memory. The correction signal can be, derived in a computer via an algorithm or a look-up table, and would preferably provide a relative adjustment in the timings of the switching device.

Abstract: A dual forward power converter and method of operation thereof. The dual forward power converter includes first and second power transformers, where each of the power transformers has first and second primary windings of opposite polarity and a secondary winding. The dual forward power converter also includes first and second switches that alternatively couple the first primary windings of the first and second power transformers, respectively, to a source of input power. The first and second switches, in an advantageous embodiment, are Field Effect Transistors (FETs) and are driven in a complementary manner with substantially 50% duty cycles. The dual forward power converter further includes first and second coupling capacitors that couple the second primary windings of the first and second power transformers to the second and first switches, respectively, and are utilized to reset the first and second power transformers with minimum losses.

Abstract: A self-disabling and self-recovering converter includes a transformer connected to a power source and has an auxiliary winding for providing a self-supply voltage after start-up, and an integrated circuit having circuitry and a plurality of pins connected thereto. The converter also includes at least one external line and a sensor connected thereto for an electrical or physical quantity to be monitored. The at least one external line is biased through a first pin with the self-supply voltage, and is functionally coupled to a second pin when a threshold is surpassed. A sectionable voltage clamp chain is connected between the auxiliary winding and a voltage reference. A self-recovery circuit having a first input is connected to the auxiliary winding and a second input is connected through the second pin to the at least one external line.

Abstract: An active clamp circuit is provided on the primary side of a complex resonance type switching converter having a voltage resonance type converter on the primary side and a parallel resonant circuit on the secondary side. The active clamp circuit clamps a parallel resonance voltage pulse generated across a primary-side parallel resonant capacitor to thereby suppress the level of the parallel resonance voltage pulse. Thus, products having low withstand voltage may be selected for components such as switching devices and the primary-side parallel resonant capacitor provided in the power supply circuit. An auxiliary switching device Q2 of the active clamp circuit is driven by a self-oscillation circuit formed by winding a wire of the primary winding of an insulating converter transformer by one turn. Thus, the circuit system for driving the active clamp circuit is simplified, thereby improving power conversion efficiency and miniaturizing the power supply circuit.

Abstract: An active clamp circuit is provided on the primary side of a complex resonance type switching converter having a voltage resonance type converter on the primary side and a parallel resonant circuit on the secondary side. The active clamp circuit clamps a parallel resonance voltage pulse generated across a primary-side parallel resonant capacitor to thereby suppress the level of the parallel resonance voltage pulse. Thus, products having low withstand voltage may be selected for components such as switching devices and the primary-side parallel resonant capacitor provided in the power supply circuit. An auxiliary switching device Q2 of the active clamp circuit is driven by a self-oscillation circuit formed by winding a wire of the primary winding of an insulating converter transformer by 1T. Thus, the circuit system for driving the active clamp circuit is simplified, thereby improving power conversion efficiency and miniaturizing the power supply circuit.

Abstract: In a configuration of a complex resonance type switching converter provided with a voltage resonance type converter on the primary side and a parallel resonant circuit or a series resonant circuit on the secondary side, control of voltage obtained at a secondary winding and control for constant voltage on the secondary side are achieved by providing an active clamp circuit on the secondary side. The switching frequency of the circuit is constant. Thus, products having low withstand voltage may be selected as components such as a switching device and a resonant capacitor to be provided on the secondary side of the power supply circuit. In addition, it is possible to simplify configuration for constant-voltage control.

Abstract: A controller for a pulse width modulating (PWM) power converter. The controller monitors an output voltage and a current through a magnetic element for modulating a duty cycle of a main power switch. The controller is an eight-pin integrated circuit which controls either a forward converter or a post regulator without internal modifications. The monitored current of the forward converter forms a positive sensing signal. The monitored current of the post regulator forms a negative sensing signal. A current sense circuit of the controller forms an absolute value of either sensing signal. A soft-start circuit of the controller forms a start-up voltage ramp which is proportional to the level of a VCC supply without requiring an external capacitor. A duty cycle of the main switch is gradually increased by comparing the start-up voltage ramp to the absolute value of the sensing signal. A pulse skipping circuit of the controller disables switching of the main switch under light load conditions.

Abstract: A power supply circuit employed in various types of electronic appliances, telecommunications equipment, and the like, is provided for generating a voltage pulse by resonance effect of a primary side of a transformer, and outputting the voltage pulse from a secondary side after raising a voltage thereof. The power supply suppresses fluctuations of electric current, and prevents noise from being propagated through a device powered by the supply. A control circuit actuates a second switching element into a non-conducting state while a first switching element is in a conducting state. The power supply switches the second switching element into a conducting state when voltage of a primary coil is greater than voltage of a driving power supply after an electric current flows in a first diode while the first switching element is in a non-conducting state.

Abstract: A power circuit for rectifying and smoothing a commercial voltage to obtain a direct-current voltage. The power circuit comprises a smoothing choke coil inductance varying circuit for variably controlling an inductance value of a smoothing choke coil within a smoothing circuit. The smoothing choke coil inductance varying circuit flows a current through a secondary winding of the smoothing choke coil to provide induction based on an output voltage from a diode bridge such that an inductance value of a primary winding of the smoothing choke coil is at the maximum when the output voltage from the diode bridge is zero volt, is reduced with an increase in the output voltage, reaches a predetermined value when the output voltage is at the maximum, and is increased with a reduction in the output voltage.

Abstract: A switching circuit, a method of processing power and a single stage power factor corrector employing the switching circuit or the method. In one embodiment, the switching circuit includes: (1) a power switch coupled to a primary winding of a transformer; and (2) an active clamp coupled to the power switch. The active clamp includes: (2a) series-coupled first and second capacitors, coupled across the power switch and the primary winding, having opposing polarities thereacross, and (2b) a clamping switch coupled to a node between the series-coupled first and second capacitors. The clamping switch opens to allow energy stored in the first capacitor to be transferred to an output of the power converter via the second capacitor. The clamping switch further closes to allow energy stored in the second capacitor to be transferred to the output.

Abstract: A switching power supply circuit has an insulated converter transformer with a gap for a loose coupling. on the secondary side, a parallel resonant capacitor is connected parallel to a secondary winding, and a full-wave rectification circuit produces a secondary-side DC output voltage for increasing a maximum load power. On the primary side, an ordinary full-wave rectification circuit, rather than a voltage doubler rectifying circuit, inputs a rectified and smoothed voltage having a level corresponding to the level of an AC input voltage. A constant-voltage control circuit system for stabilizing a secondary output voltage varies a switching frequency depending on the level of the secondary output voltage to perform composite control over a resonant impedance of a primary parallel resonant circuit and a conduction angle of the switching element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switched mode power supply, whereby the number of components is reduced to a considerable extent in comparison with conventional switched mode power supplies. The switching transistor of the switched mode power supply is controlled by a processor on the secondary side of said switched mode power supply. Control thereof is determined by the software of the processor and can be slightly modified and adapted. The required processor functions can be taken over by a processor that is already contained in the device which is powered by the switched mode power supply.

Abstract: A voltage boost power converter circuit, having an input inductor, active switch, and a transformer having primary, secondary and auxiliary windings. A clamping capacitor and a first passive switch are in series across the primary winding. The auxiliary winding and a second passive switch are in series, connected to the node between the clamping capacitor and first passive switch. The active switch is connected between ground the primary winding. A bulk capacitor forms a series loop including the active switch and primary winding. The method efficiently resets a the transformer, by transferring power to a load through the primary winding, and discharging a clamping capacitor through a separate inductively linked winding of the transformer during an ON state; and clamping the active switch voltage with the clamping capacitor, charging the clamping capacitor with a leakage inductance of the transformer, and charging the bulk capacitor during an OFF state.

Abstract: In a configuration of a complex resonance type switching converter provided with a voltage resonance type converter on the primary side and a parallel resonant circuit or a series resonant circuit on the secondary side, control of voltage obtained at a secondary winding and control for constant voltage on the secondary side are achieved by providing an active clamp circuit on the secondary side. The switching frequency of the circuit is constant. Thus, products having low withstand voltage may be selected as components such as a switching device and a resonant capacitor to be provided on the secondary side of the power supply circuit. In addition, it is possible to simplify configuration for constant-voltage control.

Abstract: A single-ended DC-to-DC converter includes a power transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, with a primary switch and an input voltage source coupled in series with the primary winding of the transformer. The primary switch is periodically made active upon application of a control input to permit current flow through the primary winding. The primary switch further has a parasitic capacitance. In a first embodiment of the invention, a reset circuit is provided including an auxiliary switch, an auxiliary voltage source coupled to the auxiliary switch, and a diode coupled between the auxiliary switch and the secondary winding of the transformer. The auxiliary switch is made active when the primary switch is inactive.

Abstract: A power converter control system is provided which combines a pulse train regulation control technique with a pulse train optimization technique, to control the output level of the power converter, while maintaining optimal performance for other power converter parameters. The power converter control system describe herein provides versatility not previously available in power converter control systems by providing features such as quasi-resonant mode control, discontinuous mode control, and/or power factor correction. A pulse optimizer adjusts or customizes, for example, the ON time, duty cycle or frequency of pulse train pulses output by a pulse generator. The adjusted pulses are gated by a pulse rate controller to selectively actuate a power switch, thereby regulating the output power level and optimize the overall performance of the power converter.

Abstract: A boosting transformer for a high-frequency heating apparatus includes an insulation member, and a primary winding and a secondary winding formed at the insulation member and mutually isolated by the insulation member, each winding having a width and a thickness as measured when the winding is stacked, the width being smaller than the thickness. As such, the boosting transformer can be reduced in height to readily ensure a distance for insulating locations having therebetween a large potential difference from each other in the transformer's internal structure in designing a structure in which the transformer is attached to a high-frequency heating apparatus. Thus the boosting transformer can be attached to the high-frequency heating apparatus at a location less restrictively and such designing can be facilitated.

Abstract: In order to achieve complete short-circuit protection irrespective of a location of a short-circuit in a switched-mode power supply having a controllable switch in a primary circuit, the controllable switch is opened when a voltage drop across an electrolytic capacitor in a primary circuit falls below a threshold value which can be predetermined. For this purpose, a capacitive voltage device containing two capacitances is connected in parallel with the electrolytic capacitor. A potential at a center tap of the capacitive voltage divider is compared in a comparator with a reference voltage, which opens the controllable switch when the potential at the center tap falls below the reference voltage.

Abstract: A converter for the conversion of an input voltage between a first supply terminal and a second supply terminal into an output voltage, including a switching means which in operation are turned on and off alternatively under control of a control signal, an inductive element which together with the switching means forms a series arrangement coupled between the firs supply terminal and the second supply terminal, a control circuit for supplying the control signal, and evaluation means for evaluating a voltage across the switching means, which voltage exhibits ringing, and for supplying an evaluation signal to the control circuit. The frequency of the control signal is approximately constant and is determined by an oscillator.

Abstract: A bi-directional current circuit disposed between two power sources and a load. A first switch and a second switch each connect the load to one of the power sources respectively, whereby when the first switch is closed and the second switch is open current flows to the load in a first direction and when the first switch is open and the second switch is closed current flows to the load in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A current sensing device incorporated into the gate charge current path of the power transistor in a typical pulse-width modulated current mode switching power supply controller provides adaptive leading edge blanking of the current-sense waveform present in the feedback signal to prevent erroneous response in the feedback control circuitry and improve regulation of the power supply output voltage. A serial switch located within the current-sense feedback signal path is directly controlled by the current sensing device to open and close the signal path and generate a blanking interval which is optimally aligned to blank out or remove the leading edge spike in the current-sense waveform which corresponds to the gate charge current pulse that occurs during the turn-on transition of the power transistor.