Feasibility study of using GaN FET for miniaturized notebook computer power adapters

采用GaN FET用于小型化笔记本电脑电源适配器的可行性研究

• 批准号: 486069-2015
• 负责人: Liu, YanFei
• 金额: $ 1.82万
• 依托单位: Queen's University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Engage Grants Program
• 财政年份: 2015
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2015-01-01 至 2016-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=585376
• 关键词: Feasibility; study; using; GaN; FET

Existing notebook computer power adapters are bulky and heavy compared with the computer itself. The size of the power adapter can be reduced by increasing the switching frequency. Unfortunately, this objective cannot be achieved using the existing power transistors based on silicon, such as MOSFET. Gallium Nitride (GaN) based power transistors have been developed in recent years. Compared with Silicon based power transistors, GaN devices will be 3000 times better in terms of Figure of Merit (FoM) criteria. They can achieve more than 10 times higher switching frequency at the same conduction loss. GaN devices are bound to revolutionize the power electronics industry. It is expected that they will replace almost all of the silicon-based power transistors in 20 to 30 years. Crosslight Software was founded in 1995 and has become a world leader in simulation, modeling and analysis of Silicon and GaN based power transistors. This project will investigate the feasibility of using GaN power devices for a high power density 65W notebook computer power adapter that can fully utilize the potential of GaN devices. In this research project, the features of GaN devices will be studied in detail and an LLC resonant converter will be designed using GaN power transistors. This will demonstrate the feasibility of a very compact and lightweight notebook power adapter. It is expected that with the completion of this project, Crosslight will be able to manufacture and sell the miniature power adaptor, which will allow this company to expand its sales and profits, as well as increase the number of engineers in its Vancouver design center.

现有的笔记本电脑电源适配器与电脑本身相比体积庞大且笨重。尺寸 可以通过提高开关频率来降低​​电源适配器的功耗。不幸的是，这个目标 使用现有的基于硅的功率晶体管（例如MOSFET）无法实现这一点。 近年来开发了基于氮化镓（GaN）的功率晶体管。与硅相比 基于功率晶体管的 GaN 器件在品质因数 (FoM) 标准方面将提高 3000 倍。他们 在相同的导通损耗下，可以实现10倍以上的开关频率。氮化镓器件有 必将彻底改变电力电子行业。预计它们将取代几乎所有 硅基功率晶体管将在 20 至 30 年内实现。 Crosslight Software 成立于 1995 年，现已成为仿真、建模和分析领域的世界领导者 硅和氮化镓基功率晶体管。该项目将研究使用 GaN 电源的可行性 器件用于高功率密度65W笔记本电脑电源适配器，可以充分发挥 氮化镓器件。在这个研究项目中，将详细研究 GaN 器件的特性以及 LLC 谐振 转换器将使用 GaN 功率晶体管进行设计。这将证明非常紧凑的可行性 和轻巧的笔记本电源适配器。 预计该项目完成后，Crosslight将能够生产和销售 微型电源适配器，这将使该公司扩大其销售额和利润，并增加 温哥华设计中心有多名工程师。