Light-load performance optimization for LLC resonant converter

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to solve the problem that under light-load conditions, the output voltage regulation capability is lost due to the fact that the voltage gain of the LLC resonant converter does not decrease with the increase of the switching frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the impedance model considering the parasitic parameters of the primary and secondary sides is calculated under light-load conditions, the limitations of the previous method are explained and a new circuit improvement is proposed.

Findings

In this paper, an improved circuit is proposed, and the impedance Bode plot is used to verify that the circuit can effectively improve the voltage gain problem under light-load conditions. Finally, the experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed circuit through comparison with traditional solutions and circuits.

Originality/value

In this paper, the impedance model considering the parasitic parameters of the primary and secondary sides is calculated, the limitations of the previous method are explained and a new circuit improvement is proposed. When compared with the previous method, the proposed circuit improvement can suppress the voltage gain increase that occurs when the switching frequency increases to a certain level.

Citation

Yao, X., Han, X., Liao, Y. and Wang, J. (2024), "Light-load performance optimization for LLC resonant converter", Circuit World, Vol. 50 No. 1, pp. 163-171. https://doi.org/10.1108/CW-01-2023-0006