An investigation into the use of active snubbers to improve light-load converter efficiency

Interest in improving the light-load efficiency of power electronic converters has risen in recent years due to the need to conserve as much energy as possible. This paper investigates the use of the active snubber auxiliary circuit that is typically found in soft-switching converters as a means to improve light-load efficiency. The paper reviews certain basic concepts related to light-load operation, presents the soft-switching converter that will be used as part of the investigation and explains various light-load operation methods. The effectiveness of these methods is shown with results obtained from an experimental prototype and general conclusions are made from these results.