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Bridge converters drive the transformer primary in both directions without a center tap, and crucially the switches only ever block the full input voltage Vin (not 2×Vin like push-pull). A half-bridge uses two switches and a capacitor divider, so the primary sees ±Vin/2. A full-bridge uses four switches to apply the full ±Vin across the primary, doubling the output for the same turns ratio — ideal for the highest power levels.
| Quantity | Half-Bridge | Full-Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Output voltage | Vin×D×(NS/NP) | 2×Vin×D×(NS/NP) |
| Switch stress | Vin | Vin |
| Number of switches | 2 | 4 |
| Typical power | up to ~500 W | 500 W and above |
Because switch stress is only Vin, both topologies suit high-voltage inputs (like rectified mains) where push-pull's 2×Vin stress would be impractical.
An isolated converter with two switches in series across the input and a capacitor divider, so the transformer primary sees ±Vin/2. Each switch blocks the full Vin.
An isolated converter with four switches arranged as two legs, applying the full ±Vin across the primary. It delivers the most power of the common transformer topologies.
Because the switches connect directly across the input rail rather than through a center-tapped winding, so the maximum voltage any switch blocks is the input voltage itself.
Half-bridge (2 switches) suits medium power up to a few hundred watts; full-bridge (4 switches) doubles the output capability and is preferred for high-power designs (500 W and above).
At rectified-mains voltages (325–400 V), a push-pull converter's 2×Vin stress would need 800 V+ switches. Bridge topologies keep the stress at Vin, allowing standard 500–650 V devices.
The full-bridge applies the entire Vin across the primary, while the half-bridge applies only Vin/2 — so for the same duty and turns, the full-bridge output is double.
Each switch (or diagonal pair) conducts up to half the period, so the per-switch duty cycle is capped at 0.5 to avoid shoot-through in a leg.
A full-bridge control method that shifts the phase between the two legs to achieve zero-voltage switching (ZVS), cutting switching losses at high power and frequency.
They create a mid-point at Vin/2 that the primary returns to, splitting the input so the transformer sees a symmetric ±Vin/2 drive.
Yes — buck-derived bridge converters use an output inductor and capacitor filter after the secondary rectifier to produce smooth DC.
A DC-blocking capacitor in series with the primary (or current-mode control) prevents any DC flux build-up, keeping the core centered and avoiding saturation.
The full-bridge, especially with phase-shifted ZVS, uses the transformer and switches most fully and achieves the best efficiency for kilowatt-class isolated supplies.
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