A first implementation of a semi-analytically designed class-E resonant DC-DC converter

Resonant power converters represent a step further in the effort of increasing the operating frequency, and consequently the power density, with respect to conventional switching converter architectures. Nevertheless, resonant converters are used only in very specific applications. The main issue is their design that, being not based on a solid mathematical background, results in a non-trivial task. In this paper we present a prototype of a class-E resonant converter with a simplified architecture, allowing both a small size (and so a higher density) and a simple mathematical analysis. Conversely with respect to the state-of-the-art approach, the circuit design is obtained by means of a semi-analytic mathematical approach without any support from circuital simulation. Measurements confirm the performance expected according to the mathematical model, and prove that the design of circuits with the proposed architecture can be effectively achieved with the developed mathematical model.