Experimental investigation of gan transistor current collapse on power converter efficiency for electrical vehicles

Ke Li, Arnaud Videt, Nadir Idir, Paul Evans, Mark Johnson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceedingpeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

GaN power transistors are drawing extensive research interest to increase power electronics systems efficiency and power density for electrical vehicles (EV). However, GaN devices suffer from current collapse, which results in shifted device static characteristics. In this paper, different measurement methods are proposed to investigate the influence of GaN transistor current collapse on device conduction and switching losses. By proposing a measurement circuit to accurately characterise GaN transistor dynamic RDSon, it is shown that device dynamic RDSon increases to 60\% bigger than its static RDSon value when it is operated at 1MHz converter. By proposing a modified double pulse test fixture, device switching transition can be characterised when it is unbiased. Therefore, it is shown that current collapse increases device switching losses 20\% bigger than unbiased condition. It is finally represented the influence of GaN device current collapse on device safe operation area in terms of operation current and frequency in EV-based power converters.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2019 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference, VPPC 2019 - Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781728112497
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event2019 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference - Hanoi, Viet Nam
Duration: 14 Oct 201917 Oct 2019

Publication series

Name2019 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference, VPPC 2019 - Proceedings
Name
ISSN (Print)1938-8756

Conference

Conference2019 IEEE Vehicle Power and Propulsion Conference
Abbreviated titleVPPC 2019
Country/TerritoryViet Nam
CityHanoi
Period14/10/1917/10/19

Keywords

  • Conduction losses
  • Current collapse
  • Efficiency
  • GaN transistor
  • Power electronics
  • Switching losses

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Optimization
  • Modelling and Simulation
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Transportation
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Fuel Technology
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Experimental investigation of gan transistor current collapse on power converter efficiency for electrical vehicles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this