LLC resonant converter for front end DC/DC conversion

Abstract

A new LLC resonant converter is proposed for front end DC/DC conversion in a distributed power system. Three advantages are achieved with this resonant converter. First, ZVS turn on and low turn off current of MOSFETs are achieved. The switching loss is reduced so we can operate the converter at higher switching frequency. The second advantage is that with this topology, we can optimize the converter at high input voltage. Finally, with this topology, we can eliminate the secondary filter inductor, so the voltage stress on the secondary rectifier will be limited to two times the output voltage, better rectifier diodes can be used and secondary conduction loss can be reduced. The converter utilizes leakage and magnetizing inductance of a transformer. With magnetic integration concept, all the magnetic components can be built in one magnetic core. The operation and characteristic of this converter is introduced and efficiency comparison between this converter and a conventional PWM converter is given which shows a great improvement by using this topology.