Soft-Switching Full-Bridge Topology with AC Distribution Solution in Power Converters' Auxiliary Power Supplies

The auxiliary power supply in a power converter is a key topic in the optimization of the converter's low-voltage electronic circuit performance. In this article, a low-voltage DC-AC soft-switching full-bridge topology, with an innovative, driven technique to achieve a zero-voltage transition, is presented and discussed. The full-bridge converter drives a high-frequency transformer (called the main transformer) that on the secondary side, distributes an AC voltage and current to the several electronic circuit's supplies. Every power supply is composed of an HF transformer (called load transformer) that converts the AC secondary voltage of the main transformer to the voltage and current levels requested by the electronic circuit. In this paper, the operating conditions are first investigated by several simulation results. Furthermore, an actual DC-DC power converter is used as a workbench for an experimental investigation of the effectiveness of the proposed auxiliary DC-AC soft-switching topology, and the AC distribution approach, to realize the several points of load power supply requested. Finally, the advantages and drawbacks of this auxiliary power supply solution are critically discussed, providing guidelines for the power converter designer.

Automated summary

This article presents and discusses an innovative driven technique to achieve zero-voltage transition in a low-voltage DC-AC soft-switching full-bridge topology, which is essential for optimizing the performance of the converter's low-voltage electronic circuit. Simulation and experimental investigations confirm the effectiveness of the proposed auxiliary power supply solution. The advantages and drawbacks of this solution are critically discussed, providing guidelines for power converter designers.