Sparse and ultra-sparse partial resonant converters

An input or output ultra-sparse switching circuit for a power converter comprising:

• two or more pairs of forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches connected in a first direction;
• two pairs of forward-conducting-forward-blocking devices connected in a second direction to the two or more pairs of forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches whenever the input or output switching circuit is an ultra-sparse input switching circuit;
• two pairs of forward-conducting-reverse-blocking devices connected in the second direction to the two or more pairs of forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches, whenever the input or output switching circuit is an ultra-sparse output switching circuit;
• and
• wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

A sparse partial resonant converter comprising:

• a first switching circuit comprising at least two pairs of first forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches connected in a first direction and two pairs of first forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking devices connected in a second direction to the at least two pairs of first forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction;
• a second switching circuit comprising at least two pairs of second forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches connected in the first direction and two pairs of second forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking devices connected in the second direction to the at least two pairs of second forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches;
• and
• a partial resonant link circuit connected between the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit.

An ultra-sparse partial resonant converter comprising:

• a first switching circuit comprising two or more pairs of first forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches connected in a first direction, and either two pairs of first forward-conducting-forward-blocking devices connected in a second direction to the two or more pairs of first forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches whenever the first switching circuit is an input switching circuit or two pairs of first forward-conducting-reverse-blocking devices connected in the second direction to the two or more pairs of first forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches whenever the first switching circuit is an output switching circuit;
• a second switching circuit comprising two or more pairs of second forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches connected in the first direction, and either two pairs of second forward-conducting-forward-blocking devices connected in the second direction to the two or more pairs of second forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches whenever the second switching circuit is the input switching circuit or two pairs of second forward-conducting-reverse-blocking devices connected in the second direction to the two or more pairs of second forward-conducting-bidirectional-blocking switches whenever the second switching circuit is the output switching circuit;
• the second direction is opposite to the first direction;
• and
• a partial resonant link circuit connected between the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit.