Class-E current-driven center-tapped low dv/dt rectifier

Abstract

An analysis for a Class E current-driven center-tapped low dv/dt rectifier taking into account the transformer leakage inductances is given along with experimental verifications. The rectifier diodes turn on and off at low dv/dt. This results in low switching noise and low switching losses. Diode parasitic capacitances do not adversely affect the circuit operation. The absolute value of di/dt is limited at diode turn-off, reducing the reverse recovery current. The circuit is operated at a low output voltage ripple and, therefore, at a low power loss in the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the filter capacitor. Experimental tests were performed for a rectifier circuit operated at an output power of P/sub O/=60 W, a minimum frequency of f=500 kHz, and an output voltage of V/sub O/=3.3 V. The theoretical and the experimental results are in good agreement. Experimental measurements demonstrate that the rectifier is suitable for high-power density, high-frequency applications that requires low-output voltages and high-currents.