Power converter continuously operable through boost and buck modes

摘要

A DC-to-AC power inverter includes a transformer with a secondary winding and a center-tapped primary. The center tap is connected to one pole of the DC source, and each end of the primary winding is connected to the other pole of the source by a switch. The switches are controlled in a 50% duty cycle mode, a mode in which both switches are ON simultaneously, and/or a mode in which both switches are periodically OFF simultaneously. The both-ON switch condition short- circuits the transformer, with the result that more current flows through the inductor, which has the effect of boosting transformed voltage above that of the 50% duty cycle mode. The both-OFF mode reduces the inductor current and decreases the transformed voltage. The amount of overlap of the both-ON and both-OFF conditions controls the output voltage. A rectifier arrangement may be coupled to the secondary winding to convert the AC output voltage to DC. A particular embodiment of invention includes snubbers associated with the switches, a coupled-inductor arrangement connected between the primary windings and the center tap, and an inductor in series with each primary winding.