Forward converter

The forward converter is a DC/DC

converter that uses a transformer to
increase or decrease the output voltage
(depending on the transformer ratio)
and provide galvanic isolation for the
load. With multiple output windings, it
is possible to provide both higher and
lower voltage outputs simultaneously.

While it looks superficially like a

flyback converter, it operates in a
fundamentally different way, and is
A schematic showing the most important components of a forward
generally more energy efficient. A
converter.
flyback converter stores energy in the
magnetic field in the transformer air
gap during the time the converter switching element (transistor) is
conducting. When the switch turns off, the stored magnetic field
collapses and the energy is transferred to the output of the flyback
converter as electric current. The flyback converter can be viewed
as two inductors sharing a common core with opposite polarity
windings.

In contrast, the forward converter (which is based on a transformer ATX PC Power Supply with Forward
with same-polarity windings, higher magnetizing inductance, and Converter (heat sinks are removed
no air gap) does not store energy during the conduction time of the for better view)
switching element — transformers cannot store a significant amount
of energy, unlike inductors.[1] Instead, energy is passed directly to
the output of the forward converter by transformer action during the switch conduction phase.

While the output voltage of a flyback converter is theoretically infinite, the maximum output voltage of the
forward converter is constrained by the transformer turns ratio :

where is the pulse width modulator duty cycle.

The forward converter is typically used in off-line supplies to provide an intermediate power output level of
100–200 watts.[2]

References
1. Anders Lind, IFNA PMM, (v1.0, March 2013) Design Note AN 2013-03. "Single Transistor
Forward Converter Design". Infineon Technologies. Archived from a copy on Digikkey (http
s://web.archive.org/web/20150923214730/http://www.digikey.com/web%20export/supplier%
20content/Infineon_448/mkt/coolMOS/SingleXTRForward.pdf?redirected=1) on 2015-09-23.
 2. Hart, Daniel (2010). Power Electronics. William C Brown Publishing. OCLC 436031173 (http
s://www.worldcat.org/oclc/436031173).

External links
Rudy Severns (July 2000). "The History of the Forward Converter" (https://web.archive.org/web/2014071
8093845/http://www.dianyuan.com/blog/u/61/1200139220.pdf) (PDF). Switching Power Magazine.
Archived from the original (http://www.dianyuan.com/blog/u/61/1200139220.pdf) (PDF) on July 18, 2014.
Retrieved 5 Sep 2012.

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