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Table 2 - The performance characteristics of linear vs. switch-mode magnetron power supplies
Page 3
Application Note
conditions. Fault energy in these switching power supplies Drawbacks:
is reduced by three-orders-of-magnitude as compared with • Performance can be optimized at a single operating
traditional saturating transformer designs. point, but without a wide range of input voltage and load
variations.
Although advantageous in terms of minimal fault energy
dissipation, high frequency switching can cause an increase in • The output cannot be regulated under load condition.
switching losses that must be considered when choosing one of • Pulsating rectifier current (capacitor output): limitation
these power supplies. for high output current application.
A number of different resonant converter topologies are • The circulating current increases as the input voltage
available, each with its own unique set of advantages and increases, limiting the range of input voltages.
drawbacks.
LLC Resonant Converter
The topology of an LLC resonant converter (Figure 1) is
Series Resonant (SR) Converter
nearly the same as that of a conventional LC series resonant
Advantages: converter with the primary difference being that the
• Reduced switching losses and EMI through ZVS: magnetizing inductance (Lm) of the transformer is relatively
Improved efficiency. small and involved in the resonance operation. LLC resonant
converters can survive heavy fault situations such as a
• Reduced magnetic components size due to high
frequency operation. transformer short-circuit or a burned output rectifier stage.
Q1
Integrated
transformer
Cr Llkp
+ V1 D1 D2
Llks
T1
-
Q2 Lm + C2 R1 Vo
Ideal
transformer
D3 D4
Figure 1 - Schematic layout of an LLC resonant converter, where R1 represent the magnetron load
Page 4
Application Note
LLC resonant converters are somewhat more complex since
they require a specialized transformer design in which two
CONCLUSION
Microwave generators are made up of a magnetron and
magnetic components are implemented with a single core
waveguide/launcher and the power supply. Manufacturers of
(using the primary side leakage Llkp inductance as a resonant
the most energy efficient of these generators focus on efficiency
inductor), thus saving on magnetic components (Lr). Leakage
gains that can be achieved in the microwave power supply,
inductance not only exists in the primary side but also in
since such gains are limited in the other components. Most
the secondary side, (Llks), and it is necessary to consider the
modern power supplies have a switched mode electronic
leakage inductance in the secondary side. Where possible, all
topology which exhibit improved efficiencies along with
of the magnetic components are embedded in the same device,
a variety of other advantages (light weight, compact, safer
using gapped ferrite cores or distributed air gap cores.
operations).
Using the LLC resonant converter topology, a 3 kW power
Resonant cavity switch mode converters are advanced designs
supply has been designed that can power a 2 kW Magnetron,
for switch mode power supplies, with LLC resonant converters
in a power range of 20%-100%. The unit (Alter® FR 840,
are the most advanced design of this family. MKS Alter has
Figure 2) has a complete set of alarm-condition sensing.
developed an efficient 3 kW LLC resonant cavity power supply
Input line is 400V, 3-phase, and the primary current of the
that can power a 2 kW magnetron. The unit (Alter CR 840,
filament transformer is controlled by the power supply, by
Figure 2) has a complete set of alarm-condition sensing.
an internal CPU. The unit has a volume of 10 dm3, which
may be compared with the volume of a traditional saturating-
transformer at near 25 dm3 (a 40% reduction). The weight REFERENCES
is only 8 kg: a great advantage, and 75% reduction, in
1. MKS Instruments Inc. Applications Note #03/14:
comparison with the 35 kg of a traditional one. “Microwave Heating Applications Part 1: Fundamentals”;
http://www.mksinst.com/docs/R/MicrowaveHeatingFundamentalsP1-
AppNote.pdf
For further information, call your local MKS Sales Engineer or contact the MKS Applications Engineering Group at 800-227-8766.
Alter® is a registered trademark of MKS Instruments, Inc., Andover, MA.