A family of DC-to-DC PWM converters using a new ZVS commutation cell

A commutation cell is proposed that is destined to replace the conventional hard switched one in PWM DC-DC converters, with the following advantages: commutation at zero-voltage for both the active and the passive semiconductor, PWM at constant frequency, no overvoltage across the switches, and no additional current stress in comparison to the hard switching converter counterpart. Auxiliary components rated at very small current are used. Both the main and the auxiliary switches are gated by the same signal, rendering simple the drive circuitry. The principle of operation and analysis are provided. Experimental results obtained from a prototype rated at 300 V and 1.2 kW are also presented