PFM and PWM Hybrid controlled LLC converter

This paper proposes the new LLC converter with unique control method. Generally, LLC resonant converter, which is controlled by PFM, has the drawback of (1) difficulty of PWM controllability, (2) difficulty of constant current limitation, and (3) narrow input voltage range limitation. These difficulties come from the resonant operation. In order to overcome those drawbacks, a hybrid control of PFM and PWM is employed for LLC. The resonant frequency is set to lower frequency to generate triangle current waveform, and the output voltage can be controlled by PWM and PFM through adjustment of resonant inductor energy. The experimental results for 48Vin, 16Vo, 80W board achieves 90% efficiency and validated this method is useful practically.