Dual-output, three-level GaN-based dc-dc converter for battery charger applications

Gallium Nitride (GaN) HFETS are an enabling technology for high-density converter design. This paper proposes a three-level dc-dc converter with dual outputs based on enhancement-mode GaN devices, intended for use as a battery charger in aircraft applications. The charger can output either 28 V or 270 V, selected with a jumper, which meets the two most common dc bus voltages in airplanes. It operates as an LLC converter in the 28 V mode, and as a buck converter in the 270 V mode. In both operation modes, the devices can realize zero-voltage-switching (ZVS). With the chosen modulation method, the converter can realize the frequency doubling function to act as an interleaved converter. For the LLC mode, the resonant frequency is twice the switching frequency of primary-side switches, and for buck mode, the frequency of the output inductor current is also twice the switching frequency. This helps to reduce the size of magnetics while maintaining low switching loss. Also, the converter utilizes the matrix transformer with resonant parameters designed to avoid ZVS failure. The operation principle of the converter is analyzed and verified on a 1MHz resonant frequency prototype.