When it comes to power conversion, the buck boost or "push-pull" transformer application is well known. The buck boost transformer configuration is widely used in converting direct current (D.C.) voltage into another value of D.C. voltage, and in inverters. Inverters convert direct current into alternating current (A.C.). The push pull transformer is usually the preferred choice in high power switching transformer applications exceeding one kilowatt. It is usually used in a circuit known as a "forward converter" circuit. Be aware that the name for the "forward converter" circuit varies from industry to industry and from person to person. It may also be referred to as an "inverter", "D.C. converter", "buck", "feed forward", and others. A basic "forward converter" transformer circuit is not a push pull transformer application. The output inductor reduces ripple voltage. Pulse width modulation is used to control the value of the output voltage

A center-tapped buck boost transformer application circuit can be designed with a single or multiple outputs. Multiple voltage outputs are possible by using either a tapped secondary winding or using multiple secondary windings.

The buck boost transformer operation requires more switching elements and its control circuitry is more complicated. Consequently a push pull transformer application is more expensive. The voltage pulses must be adequately controlled to avoid phenomena known as saturation walk. Center tapped push pull transformers have winding capacitance issues at higher frequencies. Winding imbalances can contribute to saturation walk.
 

Competitive Magnetics manufactures electronic transformersand buck boost “push-pull” transformers in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. This includes; various standard types of “core with bobbin” structures (E, EP, EFD, PQ, POT, U and others), toroids, and some custom designs. Our maximum weight and power limitations are 40 pounds of weight and 2 kilowatts of power. We have experience with foil windings, litz wire windings, and perfect layering. For toroids, special winding techniques such as sector winding, progressive winding, bank winding, and progressive bank winding can be accomplished to satisfy your dielectric, creepage distance, capacitance, and leakage inductance requirements.