Full GaN Asymmetrical Half-Bridge PWM Converter with Synchronous Rectifier for a High Efficient 90W Laptop Charger

Abstract:
Since modern semiconductors, like GaN- and SiC-devices, provide superior characteristics over con-ventional Si-devices, their contribution to a DC/DC converter is studied here. First, the paper describes two different simulation models for the asymmetrical half-bridge converter. Based on this, a proper sim-ulation routine is used to find an optimized design for a given specification using GaN-devices for the half-bridge and the synchronous rectifier. After that, a practical test setup validates the simulation results and shows superior performance compared to converters built with conventional Si-devices. The full GaN converter features higher power density as well as higher efficiency.