Improved characterization of two ZVS DC/DC resonant converters using a third order commutation network

The DC analysis of a third-order, current-driven zero voltage switching (ZVS) power converter is summarized. Theoretical results as well as computer simulation and experimental data are presented. The third-order analysis shows that the results successfully converge to either of two second-order topologies analyzed previously. For large ratios of L_p/L_s, the converter´s gain can be approximated by two second-order analyses. ZVS was also found not to be affected. Capacitor and transistor voltage stresses, however, were shown to be strongly affected by the presence of L_s. The results presented are significant in that they enable the designer to better understand and predict the third-order effects which are present in nearly all resonant power converters