Switching mode power converter having secondary side bias generating and driving circuit to provide synchronous rectification and active clamp

Abstract

A switched mode power converter includes a transformer having a primary winding, a secondary winding, and a bias winding. A primary side power switch is coupled to the primary winding and is adapted to periodically apply an input voltage to the primary winding. An output filter is operatively coupled to the secondary winding to provide an output voltage and output current. A forward synchronous rectification device is operatively coupled in series between the secondary winding and the output filter. A free-wheeling synchronous rectification device is operatively coupled in shunt with the secondary winding and the output filter. A control circuit is coupled to the bias winding and the forward and free-wheeling synchronous rectification devices. The control circuit includes a forward driving device adapted to couple an activation terminal of the forward synchronous rectification device to a first end of the secondary winding and a free-wheeling driving device adapted to couple an activation terminal of the free-wheeling synchronous rectification device to a second end of the secondary winding. The control circuit activates the forward and free-wheeling driving devices responsive to voltage on the bias winding.