Flyback converter

A flyback converter comprising:

• a capacitive divider operatively connectable to a voltage source for receiving an input voltage, the capacitive divider having a plurality of first capacitive devices connected in series with one another;
• a transformer having a plurality of primary transformer windings inductively coupled to at least one secondary transformer winding, each one of the primary transformer windings of the transformer being connected in parallel to a corresponding one of the first capacitive devices of the capacitive divider via a respective switch of a plurality of switches, each of the at least one secondary transformer winding being connected to a capacitive circuit operatively connectable to an output load;
• a controller connected to each one of the plurality of switches for operating the flyback converter to power the output load using the voltage source;
• and
• a single first one of a snubber device, an active clamp or a soft-switching circuit connected to a single first one of the plurality of primary transformer windings, a second one of the plurality of primary transformer windings not being connected to any of a second one of a snubber device, an active clamp or a soft-switching circuit.

A method for operating a flyback converter that includes a transformer having a plurality of primary transformer windings each being connected in parallel with a corresponding first capacitive device of a capacitive divider, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving an input voltage at the capacitive divider;
• sequentially operating each one of the primary transformer windings using a portion of the input voltage via the corresponding first capacitive device, each of the primary transformer windings being coupled to a corresponding one of the first capacitive devices by a respective switch;
• repeating the step of sequentially operating each one of the primary transformer windings to generate an output voltage to an output load of the flyback converter;
• and
• limiting the portion of the input voltage associated with a first one of the primary transformer windings, the limiting being performed by a single first one of a snubber device, an active clamp, or a soft-switching circuit connected to the first one of the primary transformer windings, a second one of the primary transformer windings not being connected to any of a second one of a snubber device, an active clamp, or a soft-switching circuit.

A flyback converter comprising:

• a capacitive divider operatively connected to a voltage source for receiving an input voltage, the capacitive divider having a plurality of first capacitive devices connected in series with one another to produce a voltage drop across each one of the first capacitive devices;
• a transformer with a plurality of primary transformer windings, and a secondary output winding;
• a plurality of switches each for selectively interconnecting one of the primary transformer windings with one of the first capacitive devices to drive a load connected to the secondary output winding;
• a controller for operating the plurality of switches based on current through the plurality of switches;
• and
• a single first one of a snubber device, an active clamp or a soft-switching circuit connected to a single first one of the plurality of primary transformer windings, a second one of the plurality of primary transformer windings not being connected to any of a second one of a snubber device, an active clamp or a soft-switching circuit.