An Investigation of Operational Challenges in MHz Power Converters

Aqarib Hussain (), Andrew Boland, Regan Varner, David Matolak and Kristen Booth
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Aqarib Hussain: Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Andrew Boland: Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Regan Varner: Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
David Matolak: Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Kristen Booth: Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-12

Abstract: Megahertz switching frequencies in converters significantly reduce the size of passive components, enabling high power density. However, these frequencies also introduce operational challenges, such as the semiconductor device reliability, thermal management, magnetic design and electromagnetic interference. This paper discusses a dc-dc converter operating at 1 MHz and its associated design challenges. The relationship between a GaN device on-resistance, junction temperature and losses in scenarios where the converter operates beyond its nominal design specifications is analyzed. Additionally, a PCB-based inductor is fully characterized and the parasitic effects of PCB traces are examined for a 1-MHz, 1-kW application. Finally, the conducted and radiated emissions of the converter are addressed, supported by simulation and hardware experimental measurements.

Keywords: megahertz; on-resistance; reliability; PCB parasitics; electromagnetic interference (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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