High-efficiency AC-DC converter with power factor corrector

Abstract

An AC/DC power converter includes a pair of input terminals, a boost unit, a DC/DC converter, a coupler chain, and a discharge chain. The pair of input terminals connect to a pulsating DC source. The boost unit is coupled to the input terminals and generates a voltage higher than the voltage at the input terminals. The DC/DC converter couples to the boost unit and includes a set of series switches coupled to the primary side of a transformer through a series inductor and capacitor. The DC/DC converter further includes a secondary winding coupled to the transformer and coupled to a rectifier and filter configuration. The coupler chain couples the boost unit to the DC/DC converter. The discharge chain couples the coupler chain to the high voltage source generated by the boost unit. Control pulses synchronize the series switches so that a resonant current flows in the coupler chain and the discharge chain such that the switches can be turned on and off while voltages across the switches are substantially zero.