Power conversion apparatus and methods with reduced current and voltage switching
US6442047B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B70/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power conversion apparatus, e.g., a DC-to-DC converter, includes a transformer having primary and secondary windings. A first switching circuit has an input port configured to be coupled across a DC power source and an output port coupled to the primary winding of the transformer. A switch control circuit is operatively associated with the switching circuit and causes the switching circuit to alternately apply first and second polarity voltages to the primary winding. A second switching circuit is operative to transfer energy to a load from the secondary winding via a first capacitor responsive to application of the first polarity voltage to the primary winding and to transfer energy to the load from the secondary winding via a second capacitor responsive to application of the second polarity voltage to the primary winding. The first switching circuit may be operated such that switches therein may be operated under reduced current and/or reduced voltage conditions. Related power conversion methods are also discussed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.