"The forward converter is a simple, popular switching configuration. When the transistor is driven on by the pulse-width modulator, it acts as a short,collector to emitter. The large positive voltage from the input filter is applied to the junction of the inductor and diode. The diode is reversed biased. Cur
rent begins to increase through the inductor , expanding the magnetic field in the inductor. (Remember, an inductor opposes a change of current through it.) Part of this increasing current goes to charge the output filter capacitor, increasing the output voltage. This part of opeartion cycle is shown in upper figure.
During the second half of the cycle, the PWM drives the transistor off. The almost instantaneous removal of current from the input filter forces the inductor to reverse the voltage polarity. It now acts as a generator, sourcing current as the magnetic field collaspes. This reversal in polariy places a negative on the cathode of the diode, turning it on. With the diode on, the left side of the inductor is clamped at a few tenths of a volt negative, placing this inductor(more or less) in parallel with the output capacitor and load.