Dc/dc converter switching at zero voltage

Abstract

A two switch, DC/DC converter provides sufficient inductive energy storage at the termination of the 'on' period of each switch to alter the charge on the intrinsic and stray capacitance of the combination of switches producing zero voltage across the alternate switch prior to its turn on. A short dead-band between the turn on pulses provided by the control circuit allows time for this transition. Thus the energy stored in the capacitance of the switches is returned to the source and load rather than being dissipated in the switching devices. This greatly improves the efficiency of the converter particularly when operating at high frequency. The unique topology of the converter provides other new and useful characteristics in addition to zero voltage switching capaibility such as operation at constant frequency with pulse-width-modulation for regulation, quasi-square wave output current, and the ability to integrate the magnetic elements with or without coupling.