Zero Voltage Switching isolated boost converter topology

Abstract

This paper describes an isolated boost converter topology that was invented and patented by the author in the early 80s' but has not been described in detail in an article before. As this converter has very interesting properties and appears to now be re-invented by others perhaps it is time for a paper to be written on it. This converter is a relatively simple isolated boost converter topology that can operate over a wide input voltage range, achieves Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) of the primary side controlled switches over a very wide load range and controlled dI/dT turn off of the output diodes, thus is very efficient and EMI quiet. It also can be realized with integrated magnetics and ripple current steering. This topology was incorporated as two parts of a high voltage Travelling Wave Tube DC/DC converter for communications applications and is suitable for many other applications.