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options in this presentation, the methodology will be restricted
to those that are typical for power supplies in personal computers.
Therefore, this methodology allows the following options:
 One main output
 A maximum of one auxiliary output that may be DC
stacked to the main output or referenced to output return
 A maximum of one independent output
 A maximum of one magnetic amplifier post regulator that
operates from the secondary winding for the main output
 Any number of linear post regulators that may operate
from any output
Design Flow
Figure 3 is an abbreviated flowchart of the major tasks in the
design methodology.  The important decision blocks involve
the selection of the proper 
TOPSwitch-GX
 device for the
application, and the designer’s satisfaction with the overall
design.
All designs begin with the definition of requirements.  The next
section discusses the parameters a designer needs to know
before the design can start.
Parameters for the forward converter are dominated by the
output specifications.  The designer will have to choose a
topology that is appropriate for the application.  An application
that calls for only one output is simplest, while a requirement
for several outputs with complex loading needs careful
consideration.  It may be necessary to go through several
designs to select the most satisfactory configuration.
Knowledge of system requirements and selection of the output
topology allow the designer to compute the magnetic parameters.
These are turns ratios for the transformer and the coupled
inductor (if the design has an auxiliary output), plus values of
inductance for independent outputs and the output inductor for
the magnetic amplifier (also called mag amp).  The output
inductor for the mag amp is different from the inductive
switching element (sometimes called a saturable reactor,
saturable core, or saturable choke), that is not addressed in this
note.
The peak primary current can be computed from the turns
ratios established for the transformer along with the ripple
current in the output inductors.  This allows selection of the
appropriate 
TOPSwitch-GX
.  It must have sufficient current
limit to handle the maximum steady-state load and must have
enough additional margin to accommodate peak loads and
transients.  Another consideration in the selection of the
TOPSwitch-GX
 is power dissipation in the device.  A device
that can handle the steady-state and peak primary currents does
not guarantee ability to meet thermal limitations – this is an
independent consideration.
Get system requirements
Select output topology
Choose design parameters
Yes
Estimate peak primary current
Select TOPSwitch-GXfrom
  current and power guidelines
Are parameters
within TOPSwitch-GX
boundaries
Design transformer
Compute operational parameters
Determine control and 
clamp components
Evaluate prototype 
on bench
TOPSwitch-GX
selection OK
Determine component stress
Compute output inductance
Design
satisfactory
Performance
satisfactory
Check Assumptions
Adjust Design 
  parameters
Design
complete
No
No
No
No
Start
Yes
PI-2819-121301
Yes
Yes
Figure 3.  Flowchart Showing Major Tasks in the Design of
Forward Converters with TOPSwitch-GX.