Pseudo push-pull DC:DC power converter topology

A DC:DC converter providing a push-pull output voltage at a Vout node, comprising:

• a transformer with a gapped core having wound thereon at least first and second transformer primary windings, said windings switchably coupleable between a source of voltage Vin and a reference potential, said transformer further comprising at least one transformer secondary transformer winding providing an output voltage to said Vout node;
• a control circuit outputting a single-phase drive signal having a drive signal duty cycle approximating but less than about 50%;
• a solid state switch coupled between the first primary winding and said reference potential, and coupled to receive said single-phase drive signal so as to be switched on and off at said duty cycle;
• a diode coupled between the second primary winding and said reference potential;
• wherein when said control circuit turns said solid state switch on, current flows through said first primary winding and electromagnetic energy is delivered to a load coupled to said Vout node, and electromagnetic energy is also stored within said gapped core;
• and
• when said control circuit turns said solid state switch off, said diode biases on and conducts current through said second primary winding, and at least a fraction of stored said electromagnetic energy is delivered to said load.

A method of implementing a DC:DC converter to deliver a push-pull-like output at an output voltage Vout node without providing a push-pull drive control circuit, the method comprising the following steps:

• (a) providing a transformer with a gapped core having wound thereon at least first and second transformer primary windings coupleable between a source of Vin and a reference potential, said transformer further including at least one transformer secondary transformer coupled to said Vout node;
• (b) actively coupling the first primary winding between said source of Vin and said reference potential with a duty cycle approximately but less than about 50% to switcheably conduct current therethough;
• and
• (c) coupling a diode between the second primary winding and said reference voltage;
• wherein when said first primary winding is switcheably coupled to conduct current, electromagnetic energy is delivered to a load coupled to said Vout node, and electromagnetic energy is also stored within said gapped core;
• and
• when said first primary winding is switchably coupled as to not conduct current, said diode biases on and conducts current through said second primary winding, and at least a fraction of stored said electromagnetic energy is delivered to said load.