Non-isolated full bridge power converter drive system

A system, comprising:

• a power converter comprising:
• a first circuit path including a series combination of a primary winding of a transformer and a first secondary winding of the transformer;
• a second circuit path including a second secondary winding of the transformer;
• multiple switching elements operable to convey energy from a voltage source to the primary winding of the transformer, the switching elements comprising:
• first switching elements connected on a first side of the transformer, the first switching elements comprising a first upper switching element, a first middle switching element, and a first lower switching element;
• and
• second switching elements connected on a second side of the transformer opposite the first side of the transformer, the second switching elements comprising a second upper switching element, a second middle switching element, and a second lower switching element;
• and
• control circuitry configured to control switching of the first switching elements and the second switching elements to regulate an output voltage of the power converter, wherein the control circuitry operates the first upper switching element and the second upper switching element in a synchronous rectification mode.

A method, comprising:

• providing a first circuit path including a series combination of a primary winding of a transformer and a first secondary winding of the transformer;
• providing a second circuit path including a second secondary winding of the transformer;
• providing multiple switching elements operable to convey energy from a voltage source to the primary winding of the transformer, the switching elements comprising:
• first switching elements connected on a first side of the transformer, the first switching elements comprising a first upper switching element, a first middle switching element, and a first lower switching element;
• and
• second switching elements connected on a second side of the transformer opposite the first side of the transformer, the second switching elements comprising a second upper switching element, a second middle switching element, and a second lower switching element;
• and
• providing control circuitry configured to control switching of the first switching elements and the second switching elements to regulate an output voltage of the power converter, wherein the control circuitry operates the first upper switching element and the second upper switching element in a synchronous rectification mode.