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Induction heating systems are evolving towards more flexible architectures, which imply highly variable induction loads. This becomes a challenge for the design of resonant converters with high efficiency in the whole range of output power and induction loads. To overcome this design problem, proposed is a variable snubber network which allows improving the efficiency for different operating conditions. The proposed network has been implemented and tested in a multiple-output induction heating system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of resonant converters in high-frequency and high-efficiency power converters is widespread. Recent developments in wide bandgap materials, such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride, and their commercial availability, are boosting their use in power converters. Proposed is a reduced component-count gate drive circuit for the zero voltage switching operation of resonant converters featuring SiC JFETs and its design procedure is proposed. The trade-off between on-state losses and driver activation losses is detailed, reaching a point of maximum device efficiency. The proposal is experimentally verified using a resonant converter applied to domestic induction heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]