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document updated 15 years ago, on Dec 25, 2008

V_s =	dI_p	· L
	dt

If you completely clamp the kickback voltage from the primary, then the secondary output won't be as high.
One solution to this (that allows the inductor to swing freely, but maybe shields the transistors from back-EMF) is a push-pull/full-bridge topology. (it's optional to do ZVS too, but that makes the circuit far more complicated, and it's only required for maximum efficiency)

(allegedly) The maximum secondary output will be achieved if you cut off the primary voltage as soon as the primary voltage hits its peak. (that's not a tautology, is it?)

"Commutation" means the reversal of current or voltage. A "commutating diode" is designed to act when the voltage changes polarity.

SMPS topologies include:

flyback converter
boost converter
simple transistor forward converter
half bridge forward converter
two transistor forward converter
full "H" bridge converter
full bridge ZVT converter

TODO: understand the bit of "H-bridge" that talks about transformers.

TODO: understand leakage inductance, particularly because it seems to be only associated with flyback transformers.

TODO: understand this: "the HV transformer must be of a type that self-limits its secondary current by means of internal leakage inductance. A normal (low leakage inductance) high voltage transformer must use an external limiter (sometimes called a ballast) to limit current."

Similar fields

DC/DC converters. Some of them, particularly flyback converters and push-pull converters, are centered around a transformer. Since a ton of DC/DC converters have been made, and they're well-engineered, there's a deep body of knowledge about how to make the switches and inductor happy.
(it's true that we're making a DC to AC converter, but there are enough similarities on the primary side to still be useful)

Motor drivers. Motors are essentially a giant inductor, and some methods of driving them (H-bridge, half-bridge) have a lot in common with other inductor-drivers. (particularly when they're controlled via PWM)

Solid-state Tesla coils. SSTCs and DRSSTCs usually use an H-bridge or half-bridge topology, just like motor drivers. It's even claimed that classic Tesla coils were the first SMPS.