A nonlinear resonant switch

A resonant switch is introduced which uses nonlinear tank elements. Zero current switching is obtained, yet the peak transistor voltage and current stresses can approach those of an equivalent ideal PWM (pulse-width-modulated) converter. Reduced switching loss without a substantial increase in conduction loss is therefore possible. An approximate analysis is outlined, and transistor peak voltage and current stresses are shown to be much lower than those of linear resonant switch technologies. Single-transistor implementations of the buck, boost, and buck-boost nonlinear resonant switch converters are given. The validity of the nonlinear resonant switch concept, as well as of the approximate analysis, is proven experimentally.<
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