Advantages of using two-switch forward converter for high-voltage applications

The study and implementation of a two-switch forward converter operating at high frequency for high-voltage applications, in a voltage range up to several kV and in a power range up to several kW, is presented in this paper. Trend is to use a resonant converter in this voltage and power range. However progresses in the development of semiconductor components allow the usage of the two-switch forward converter topology operating at high frequency. Comparison of converters for high-voltage applications is performed. Design details of the converter hardware and the high-voltage high-frequency transformer are given. Simple control and simple auxiliary circuits are the major advantages of this topology. The two-switch forward converter, using SiC based semiconductor components, operating at 100kHz is discussed in the article.