High Power Density Multi-Phase DC/DC Converter for Solar Applications Using GaN Integrated Power Stages

Inhalt:
The latest GaN integration technology enables very high power density in many applications, including dc/dc converters for industrial, automotive, and renewable energy applications. This work demonstrates a dual-phase solution that can operate as a buck or boost converter for photovoltaic systems, performing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for solar panels or battery charge control for dc-coupled energy storage. The maximum power is over 1 kW with a total solution size of 30x30x18 mm, exactly one cubic inch. In addition to the latest GaN technology, the system also uses the latest microcontroller technology and tunneling magnetoresistance current sensors to achieve this ambitious power density target.