GaN Buck Converter in CCM with Optimized High Frequency Inductors

Utilization of wide-bandgap semiconductors such as gallium nitride transistors facilitates the operation at high switching frequencies. Therefore, the volume of filter components like inductors can be reduced which helps to improve the power density of the converter. Operation in continuous conduction mode enables to reduce the core losses due to the relatively low current ripple. The relatively high DC content of the inductor current superimposed by a high-frequency current results in high demands on the winding design. Hence, this paper discusses a buck converter with inductors of an alternative winding concept.