A Z-Source Half-Bridge Converter

Applying an LC network into a half-bridge converter, a novel Z-source half-bridge converter is presented, in which less LC components are needed compared to the conventional one. This Z-source half-bridge converter can solve not only the problems of the shoot-through and limited voltage but also the problem of imbalance at the midpoint voltage of input capacitors. Furthermore, it can generate a broader range of output voltage values and much more kinds of waveforms, such as the varied positive or negative output voltages and the varied time ratio between positive and negative voltages, which are particularly desirable for some special power supplies, like the electrochemical power supply. Finally, the proposed converter is implemented in a prototype, and the experimental results can verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.