Forward · topology: how it works
The transformer's windings run the same way, so energy passes straight to the secondary while Q is on. The secondary side works like a buck converter: two diodes and an output inductor. The core has to be reset on every pulse.
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🔍 How to recognise it on a board
- ✓A large output inductor after the secondary diodes (flybacks don't have one)
- ✓Two diodes (one rectifying, one freewheeling), often in one package
- ✓An extra winding or a two-switch structure (two MOSFETs + two diodes) to reset the core
- ✓A multi-winding output inductor combining several outputs (in ATX supplies)
Where it's used
Computer (ATX) power supplies, 100–400 W industrial supplies
Common ICs
Go further
Forward's two-way cousin: push-pullCompare with flybackThe buck topology (the output side is similar)