Efficiency Improvement with GaN-Based SSFET as Synchronous Rectifier in PFC Boost Converter

Inhalt:
The reverse characteristics of a GaN-based Source-Switched-FET (SSFET) which exhibits ultra-low reverse-recovery-charge comparable to a Silicon on Carbide (SiC) Schottky diode allows its use for synchronous rectification in a power factor correction (PFC) boost converter. In this paper, conduction and switching losses with the GaN-based SSFET and its counterpart SiC Schottky diode in a boost converter operating in continuous conduction mode (CCM) are compared and analyzed under different line and load conditions. Efficiency improvements were achieved by replacing a SiC Schottky diode with the GaN-based SSFET. These improvements were verified in experimental results using a 3kW boost converter.