Wide-input-voltage-range dual-output GaN-based isolated DC-DC converter for aerospace applications

This paper presents the in-depth design of an isolated dc-dc power converter for aerospace applications rated at 30 W, dual 15 V dc outputs, 10–80 V input, switching at 1 MHz and using enhancement-mode GaN power transistors. A recently proposed three-switch active-clamp flyback topology is chosen as an effective means to deal with the large input voltage variation, and meet the high efficiency target at full load (>90 %). A planar transformer is designed and optimized according to the desired converter operating mode. The paper presents additionally the full evaluation of the converter under varying voltage and load conditions, demonstrating a peak efficiency of 92.4 % and a power density of 40 W/in3.

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