Resonant power converter
First Claim
1. A resonant power converter for changing the magnitude of a voltage source, comprising:
- an inductive device;
a first switch coupled in series with the voltage source and the inductive device for alternately connecting and disconnecting the voltage source to the inductive device;
a second switch coupled in series with the inductive device and ground; and
a switch controller, responsive to a feedback voltage signal and connected to close the first and second switches to add energy during a first portion of a frequency cycle, open the first switch to hold energy within the inductive device during a second portion of the frequency cycle, and open the second switch during a third portion of the frequency cycle to maintain operation of the power converter and switching of the first and second switches under zero-voltage conditions.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A resonant power converter holds energy within the circuit for a variable period to provide fixed-frequency, zero-voltage switching power conversion. A first switch alternately connects and disconnects a DC voltage source to one side of the primary winding of the transformer of a power converter. A second switch is connected between the other side of the primary winding and ground. A switch controller is responsive to the difference between a reference voltage and the voltage level present at the output of the circuit associated with the secondary winding of the transformer. Energy is added to the circuit while the first and second switches are closed. The first switch is then opened and energy is held in the circuit for a variable period of time to delay the beginning of resonance. Finally, both switches are opened and the energy within the circuit resonates. The energy holding period is adjusted as necessary to maintain a fixed frequency with varying loads. Accordingly, the switch controller is configured to open and close the first and second switches to maintain fixed-frequency operation of the power converter and switching of the second switch under zero-voltage conditions and in the presence of varying loads.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A resonant power converter for changing the magnitude of a voltage source, comprising:
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an inductive device; a first switch coupled in series with the voltage source and the inductive device for alternately connecting and disconnecting the voltage source to the inductive device; a second switch coupled in series with the inductive device and ground; and a switch controller, responsive to a feedback voltage signal and connected to close the first and second switches to add energy during a first portion of a frequency cycle, open the first switch to hold energy within the inductive device during a second portion of the frequency cycle, and open the second switch during a third portion of the frequency cycle to maintain operation of the power converter and switching of the first and second switches under zero-voltage conditions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10)
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9. A resonant power converter for changing the magnitude of a voltage source, comprising:
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an inductive device; a first switch coupled in series with the voltage source and the inductive device for alternately connecting and disconnecting the voltage source to the inductive device; a second switch coupled in series with the primary winding and ground; and a switch controlling means, responsive to a feedback voltage signal and connected to close the first and second switches to add energy during a first portion of a frequency cycle, open the first switch to hold energy within the inductive device during a second portion of the frequency cycle, and open the second switch during a third portion of the frequency cycle to maintain operation of the power converter and switching of the first and second switches under zero-voltage conditions. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for generating a DC voltage output, using a resonant circuit including at least one switch coupled in series with a voltage source and an inductive device, comprising the steps of:
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adding energy to the circuit from the voltage source during a first portion of a clock cycle while the switch is closed; holding energy within the circuit to delay resonation during a second portion of the clock cycle while the switch is opened; allowing the energy within the circuit to resonate during a third portion of the clock cycle; and closing the switch while there is substantially zero voltage across the switch to begin a new clock cycle. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification