T. Hoffmann, D. Sun, S.A. Chevtchenko, M. Wolf, L. Schellhase, A. Wentzel

Published in:

Proc. 54th European Microwave Conference (EuMC 2024), Paris, France, Sep. 24-26, ISBN: 978-2-87487-077-4, pp. 1046-1049 (2024).

Abstract:

This paper presents a highly efficient and compact GaN-based buck converter operating in the very high frequency (VHF) range up to 200 MHz. The module includes a GaN halfbridge converter MMIC with integrated drivers and on-chip soldered SMD caps as well as inductors to maintain shortest connections. Together with the hybrid low-pass output network (air-core inductor, SMD cap) the chip forms a buck converter with synchronous rectifier for efficient and compact power supply of point-of-loads in data centers. By changing the output circuitry, it is also suitable to operate as a supply modulator in RF power amplifier systems. At 200 MHz switching frequency the buck converter achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 71 % for 32 V DC input voltage (V_{dc_in}) operation. At 22 W DC output power an output voltage of 13 V has been reached. At 100 MHz the PCE peaks at 80 % for 29 W conversion from 35 V to 14.5 V. For the maximum 38 W conversion to 19 V (48 V_{dc_in}) the PCE still reaches 75 %.

Keywords:

Power electronics, GaN, AlN, DC/DC, VHF, power converter, buck converter, synchronous rectifier.

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