Smart Inrush Current Limiter Enables Higher Efficiency In AC-DC Converters

Focus:

Inrush current limiting is required in a wide spectrum of applications from appliances to automobiles, especially in systems where ac-dc conversion is performed. The conventional approach to inrush current limiting uses a standard diode bridge together with thermistor and relays. However, there is an alternative approach, an all-silicon solution consisting of two diodes and two SCRs, which is referred to as a "mixed bridge" or "smart" solution. This mixed-bridge solution is the focus of this article. After explaining the reasons for implementing inrush current limiting, the article discusses advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches including a comparison of gate-drive requirements and power dissipation. Finally, some guidance is provided on where to use the mixed bridge to achieve highest efficiency and where the standard diode bridge with thermistor and relays solution offers a better choice.

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand the benefits of the “mixed-bridge” approach to inrush current limiting
• How to implement the mixed-bridge or smart inrush current limiter

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Author & Publication:

Benoît Renard, STMicroelectronics, Tours, France , How2Power Today, May 16 2016

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