journal article·2024-10-26Open access

Analysis and Design of an SiC CMOS Three-Channel DC-DC Synchronous Buck Converter for High-Temperature Applications

Andres Martinez, Felipe Torres, Jorge Marin, Christian A. Rojas, Joel Gak, Mathias Rommel, Alexander May, Alan H. Wilson-Veas, Matias Miguez, Chiara Rossi, Michael Schraml, Nicolas Calarco

Applied Sciences· Volume 14· Issue 21

Abstract

In this study, we present the design, simulation, and implementation of a DC-DC synchronous buck converter utilizing IISB’s 2 μm 4H-silicon carbide (SiC) complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The converter is designed to meet the demands of modern integrated circuits, particularly in the field of integrated power management. The SiC technology offers enhanced performance and reliability at high temperatures, making it especially suitable for applications that operate in these conditions, including automotive systems, and aerospace, among others. The power transistors and gate drivers are fully integrated on-chip, optimizing efficiency and minimizing footprint. Additionally, the study contributes to the understanding of SiC technology and its application in integrated circuit design. Simulation results demonstrate a peak efficiency of 86.6% at 120 mA load current and 84.8% at 300 mA load current, showing the converter performance under different operating conditions. Furthermore, at high temperatures (295 °C), the converter achieves an efficiency of 89.6%, demonstrating its robustness and versatility in extreme environments. These findings contribute to the advancement of integrated circuit design and facilitate advancements in more efficient and robust power management solutions.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Technologies · Advanced DC-DC Converters · Multilevel Inverters and Converters

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Electronics, Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria, Valparaiso 2390123, Chile

Advanced Center of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria, Valparaiso 2390103, Chile

Engineering Department, Universidad Católica del Uruguay, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay

Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology IISB, 91058 Erlangen, Germany

Energy Transformation Center, Engineering Faculty, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7500971, Chile

Funding

AC3E · ANID + FONDECYT Initiation Research Project · ANID + FONDECYT Regular Project · ANID/FONDAP · ANID + FONDECYT Postdoctoral Project · Dirección de Postgrado y Programas, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaiso

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