Digital control of resonant power converters

Abstract

A method of synchronously operating a power converter in a series of converter operating cycles includes providing an oscillator for generating clock signals at an oscillator frequency, and generating timing control signals for each of multiple events based upon the clock signals. The method further includes to: (i) turn a primary switch ON and OFF at times when essentially zero voltage is impressed across the primary switch and essentially zero resonant current is flowing in the primary switch; and (ii) turn a secondary switch ON and OFF at times when essentially zero current is flowing in the secondary switch and essentially zero voltage is impressed across the secondary switch. The oscillator frequency is preset, and the timing of the timing control signals for one or more selected events may be set independently of other timing control signals and events.