Analysis and design of non-dissipative active clamp for forward converters

An active clamp topology for forward converters is presented and analysed in detail in this paper. The proposed circuit overcomes the drawbacks of the already existing reset techniques, since it utilises the magnetising energy that was formerly being dissipated in the clamp resistor. The stored energy supplies a second auxiliary output but can also be driven to the main output, thus increasing the efficiency of the converter. Finally, in order to venfy the theoretical and simulated results, an experimental unit was built. A good consistency of the results has been found.