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An efficient switched-mode power supply using a quadratic boost converter

and a new topology of two-switch forward converter

Article · January 2006

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Fernando Lessa Tofoli, Carlos Alberto Gallo e Evandro Aparecido Soares

An efficient switched-mode power supply using a quadratic

boost converter and a new topology of two-switch forward
converter

Fernando Lessa Tofoli Resumo

Universidade Federal de Este trabalho propõe uma topologia de conversor Forward a duas chaves associada a um conversor
Uberlândiafernandolessa@pop. Boost quadrático, que apresenta a característica de ampla elevação da tensão de entrada, ou seja, de
com.br 12V para 80V. A combinação destes estágios resulta em uma fonte chaveada em que as tensões de
saída são +200V e -200V. A operação dos conversores é analisada e resultados são apresentados para
Carlos Alberto Gallo
validar a proposta.
Universidade Federal de São
João Del [email protected] Palavras-chave: Conversor forward a duas chaves. Fontes chaveadas.

Evandro Aparecido Soares

da SilvaUniversidade de Abstract
[email protected] This paper presents a topology of two-switch Forward converter associated with a quadratic Boost
converter, which provides large voltage step-up (from 12V to 80V). The combination of the stages
results in a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) whose output voltages are +200V and -200V.
The operation of both converters is analyzed, as some results concerning the proposed SMPS are
presented.
Keywords: Two-switch forward converter. SMPS.

1 Introduction
In dc/dc conversion applications that demand a large range of input or output voltages, conventional PWM converters
must operate at extremely low duty cycle ratios, what limits the operation to lower switching frequencies because of the
minimum on-time of the transistor switch (Maksimovic and Cuk, 1991). This problem is eliminated with the proposal
of a new class of single-switch PWM converters featuring voltage conversion ratios with quadratic dependence on the
duty cycle (Maksimovic and Cuk, 1991). The quadratic Boost converter in Fig. 1 can be used in large voltage step-up
applications, since the dc voltage conversion ratio (i.e. static gain) is given by M(D)=D/(1–D)2. However, high EMI levels
result, because the switches do not present auxiliary commutation. Although a soft-switched structure has been presented
by Barreto et al (2002), which is recommended for the replacement of low frequency transformers in cases where the
weight and/or volume may be a limitation to the implementation of UPS systems, it employs two additional auxiliary soft
commutation cells, causing the number of components and control complexity to increase. In this specific case, the hard-
switched topology is perfectly suitable to be employed as a preliminary so-called voltage step-up stage.
To obtain an isolated power supply, two-switch Forward converters are one of the most suitable topologies since the
power switches need to block only the supply voltage instead of twice or more times the supply voltage as in flyback or
single-ended Forward converters (Jacobson et all, 1989 and Petersen, 2000). This is a particularly interesting benefit for
power MOSFET’s once that the on-resistance increases exponentially with breakdown voltage. Further, at turning off,
there is no leakage inductance spike.
Although there are a number of bipolar transistors and MOSFET’s with high voltage ratings which can take that stress,
it is a far more reliable design to use the double-ended Forward converter with half the off-voltage stress. Reliability is of

64 Rev. Tecnol. Fortaleza, v. 27, n. 1, p. 64-73, jun. 2006.

 An efficient switched-mode power supply using a quadratic boost converter and a new topology of two-switch forward converter

overriding importance in a power supply design, and in any weighing of reliability versus initial cost, the best and, in the
long run, least expensive choice is reliability. Therefore, two-transistor forward converter is more reliable and attracted
attention of great research, but this topology has drawback of hard switching and single quadrant operation of transformer
(Ghodke and Muralikrishnan, 2002, and Xu et all, 1999).
A new topology of two-transistor Forward converter, shown in Fig. 2, using two primary windings, is proposed in this
paper. It employs an additional switch that operates with twice the switching frequency of the main switches, in order to
promote the transformer reset, as a reset winding is not necessary, reducing weight and volume.
Another goal of this work is the development of a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) where the dc input voltage
is low and the dc output voltage is quite high. The aforementioned structure can be used in such application, as shown in
Fig. 3.
A dissipative snubber, shown in Fig. 4 is added in parallel with switches S1 and S2 in order to limit di/dt and dv/dt rates
in the devices, keeping them within their safe operating areas and reducing the switching power losses (Tardiff and Barton,
1989). In this case, conventional RCD snubbers are preferable instead of nondissipative ones, because of the simplicity
of design and implementation, once that the high efficiency issue is not the main propose of this work. Since no inductors
are employed in the snubber, the weight and volume are reduced and the power density is increased considerably (Finney
et all, 1993).

Fig. 1: Quadratic boost converter.

Fig. 2: Two-switch Forward converter.

Rev. Tecnol. Fortaleza, v. 27, n. 1, p. 64-73, jun. 2006. 65

Fernando Lessa Tofoli, Carlos Alberto Gallo e Evandro Aparecido Soares

Fig. 3: The proposed SMPS.

Fig. 4: Snubber employed in switches S1 and S2.

2 Two-Switch Forward Converter

The quadratic Boost converter has been intensively studied by Barreto et al (2002), and it is not necessary to describe
its operation once again. Therefore only the analysis of the two-switch Forward converter shown in Fig. 2 is supposed to
be presented in this paper. The voltage gain provided by the converter is (Vo/Vi)=2•D•N, N, where D is the duty cycle and N
N
is the transformer ratio, respectively.
The operation of the Forward converter can be divided in six stages. As the behavior of switches S1 and S2 is analogous,
only three stages will be analyzed, according to Fig. 5, as Fig. 6 shows the theoretical waveforms.
• First stage [t0, t1] – switch S1 turning on (Fig. 5 (a)): When switch S1 is turned on and switch S3 is turned off, the
energy transfer from source to load begins. In this stage, diode Ddf4 is reversely biased. This interval is determined
by the duty cycle imposed to the switch. At the beginning of this stage, capacitor Cdf1 is charged to the input voltage
Vdc.
• Second stage [t1, t2] – switch S1 turning off (Fig. 5 (b)): When switch S1 is turned off, the energy stored in the
leakage and magnetizing inductances is transferred to capacitor Cdf1 via diode Ddf2.
• Third stage [t2, t3] – switch S3 turning on (Fig. 5 (c)): Switch S1 remains turned off, and switch S3 must be turned
on until the whole energy stored in capacitor Cdf1 is transferred to inductor Ldf1.

(a) First stage

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 An efficient switched-mode power supply using a quadratic boost converter and a new topology of two-switch forward converter

(b) Second stage

(c) Third stage

Fig. 5: Operating stages of the two-switch Forward converter.

Fig. 6: Main theoretical waveforms.

Rev. Tecnol. Fortaleza, v. 27, n. 1, p. 64-73, jun. 2006. 67
Fernando Lessa Tofoli, Carlos Alberto Gallo e Evandro Aparecido Soares

3 Simulation and experimental results

Simulation tests have been carried out on the quadratic Boost converter shown in Fig. 1, using the parameters set
presented in Table 1. In this case, a battery is used as the supply voltage Vi, instead of the utility voltage rectified by a diode
bridge. Fig. 7 shows some simulation results regarding the operation of the converter under the conditions stated below.
Experimental results were also obtained for a prototype built with the same parameter set. Diodes D1, D2 and D3 are
HFA08TB60 and switch M1 is IRFP260, as the waveforms are represented in Fig. 8.
The parameter specifications of the two-switch Forward converter shown in Fig. 2, using the RCD snubber presented
in Fig. 4, are summarized in Table 2.
Fig. 9 shows some simulation results regarding the operation of the converter under the conditions stated below. Fig. 9
(a) presents the relevant waveforms for switch S1. Fig. 9 (b) represents the output voltages, which are obtained considering
balanced loads.
Experimental results from a laboratory prototype were obtained for the two-switch forward converter. Diodes are
HFA08TB60 and switches M1 are IRFP260. Fig. 10 shows the switching detail with and without the use of the RCD
snubber, where it can be seen in Fig. 10 (a) that the power dissipation area corresponding to the switching losses is much
greater than that in Fig. 10 (b).
Fig. 11 illustrates soft-commutation in switch S1. As it can be noticed, it is turned on and off in ZCS and ZVS modes,
respectively. Fig. 12 depicts the output voltages obtained with the proposed Forward topology.
Finally, Fig. 13 represents the efficiency of the SMPS as a function of the output power, which is about 86% at rated
power.

Table 1: Parameters set employed in the quadratic Boost converter

Parameter Value
Lb1, Lb2 100µH
100
C1, Co 100µF
100
Diodes D1, D2, D3 Ideal
Switch M1 Ideal
Switching frequency 100kHz
Input voltage 12V
Output voltage 80V
Output power 300W

(a) Voltage across capacitor C1 and output voltage

68 Rev. Tecnol. Fortaleza, v. 27, n. 1, p. 64-73, jun. 2006.

 An efficient switched-mode power supply using a quadratic boost converter and a new topology of two-switch forward converter

(b) Current and voltage waveforms regarding switch M1

Fig. 7: Simulation results obtained for the quadratic Boost converter.

(a) Voltage across capacitor C1 and output voltage

(b) Current and voltage waveforms regarding switch M1

Fig. 8: Experimental results obtained for the quadratic Boost converter.

Rev. Tecnol. Fortaleza, v. 27, n. 1, p. 64-73, jun. 2006. 69

Fernando Lessa Tofoli, Carlos Alberto Gallo e Evandro Aparecido Soares

Table 2: Parameters set employed in the two-switch forward converter

(a) Current and voltage waveforms regarding switch S1

(b) Output voltages

Fig. 9: Simulation results obtained for the two-switch Forward converter.
70 Rev. Tecnol. Fortaleza, v. 27, n. 1, p. 64-73, jun. 2006.
 An efficient switched-mode power supply using a quadratic boost converter and a new topology of two-switch forward converter

(a) Without snubber

(b) With snubber

Fig. 10: Switching detail in switch S1.

Fig. 11: Current and voltage waveforms regarding switch S1.

Scales: V(S1)=100V/div.; I(S1)=2A/div.; time 1µs/div.

Fig. 12: Output voltages.

Scales: Vo1, -Vo2=100V/div.; time 5ms/div.
Rev. Tecnol. Fortaleza, v. 27, n. 1, p. 64-73, jun. 2006. 71
Fernando Lessa Tofoli, Carlos Alberto Gallo e Evandro Aparecido Soares

Fig. 13: Efficiency curve of the proposed SMPS.

4 Conclusion
This paper has reported some results regarding a switched-mode power supply with reduced weight, size and
complexity. Both structures presented here have been studied, and the operating principles of the Forward topology have
been analyzed theoretically. Some relevant data are presented, validating this proposal.
The quadratic Boost converter is an adequate choice as a step-up stage because it provides a significantly high dc/dc
conversion ratio. Considering that this converter operates in high switching frequencies, and it presents reduced weight and
size, its application becomes feasible in cases where single-stage boost converters are inadequate.
In isolated power supplies, two-switch Forward converters are preferred instead of flyback or single-ended Forward
converters because the power switches are submitted to the supply voltage instead of twice or more times the supply
voltage.

References
BARRETO, L. H. et al. An optimal lossless commutation quadratic PWM boost converter. In: APPLIED POWER
ELECTRONICS CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION, 17., 2002, Dallas. Proceedings… Dallas: APEC, 2002. p. 624-
629.
FINNEY, S. J.; WILLIAMS, B. W.; GREEN, T. C. The RCD snubber revisited. In: INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS SOCIETY
ANNUAL MEETING, 11., 1993., Dearborn. Proceedings… Dearborn: IEEE, 1993. v. 2, p. 1267-1273.
GHODKE, D.V.; MURALIKRISHNAN, K. ZVZCS dual, two-transistor forward dc-dc converter with peak voltage of
vin/2, high input and high power application. In: POWER ELECTRONICS SPECIALISTS CONFERENCE, 17., 2002,
Cairns. Proceedings… Cairns: PESC, 2002. p. 1853-1858.
JACOBSON, B.; MCGINTY, J.; SALAMEH, Z. A two-stage two-phase double-forward converter for pulse load
application. In: APPLIED POWER ELECTRONICS CONFERENCE, 4., 1989, Baltimore. Proceedings… Baltimore:
APEC, 1989. p. 46-55.
MAKSIMOVIC, D.; CUK, S. Switching converters with wide dc conversion rang. IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics,
v. 6, n.1, p. 151-157, Jan. 1991.
PETERSEN, L. Advantages of Using a Two-Switch Forward in Single-Stage Power Factor Corrected Power Supplies.
In: INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENERGY CONFERENCE, INTELEC, 22., 2000, Phoenix.
Proceedings… Phoenix: INTELEC, 2000. p. 325-331.
TARDIFF, D.; BARTON, T.H. A summary of resonant snubber circuits for transistors and GTO’s. Tokio: IEEE/IAS,
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 An efficient switched-mode power supply using a quadratic boost converter and a new topology of two-switch forward converter

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Carlos Alberto Gallo

He received the BSc and MSc degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil, in
2000 and 2002, respectively. He is now PhD student at the Power Electronics Research Group of the same university.. His
research interests include high-frequency power conversion, microprocessor-based control of power converters, power
factor correction topologies and UPS systems.

Fernando Lessa Tofoli

He received the BSc and MSc degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil, in 1999
and 2002, respectively. Nowadays he is PhD student at the Power Electronics Research Group of the same university. His
research interests include power quality related issues, high power factor rectifiers and soft switching techniques applied
to static power converters.

Evandro Aparecido Soares da Silva

He received the BSc degree in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Brazil, in 1995, and the
MSc and PhD degrees from the Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil, in 1999 and 2003, respectively. He is currently
an associate professor with the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Fortaleza, Brazil. His research
interest areas include soft-switching converters, high frequency power conversion, active power filters, and new converter
topologies.

Rev. Tecnol. Fortaleza, v. 27, n. 1, p. 64-73, jun. 2006. 73

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