Synthesis of Input-Rectifierless AC/DC Converters

This paper discusses the basic construction procedure and topological possibilities of creating ac/dc converters out of simple dc/dc converters. It is shown that two separately controlled dc/dc converters are sufficient for producing a regulated dc output and shaping the input current, from an ac voltage source, without the need for input rectifiers. Some design constraints are discussed, emanating from the limitation of the conversion ratios that can be achieved by particular dc/dc converters. Selected topologies are verified experimentally. This kind of rectifierless converters find applications in airborne power supplies where zero-crossing distortions are significant because of the inevitable phase-lead effect of the input rectifier bridge.