A new half-bridge topology and new gate drive circuits for low voltage DC-DC converters

This thesis proposed a transformer-based non-isolated half bridge DC-DC converter, which is optimized for VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) application. The proposed converter can extend the duty cycle and then improve the efficiency and dynamic performance of the VRM. The voltage stress of the MOSFETs in the proposed converter is similar to the conventional buck converter and much lower than other transformer based converters. Detailed description of the operation principle and steady state are presented. Experimental results are also provided.; This thesis also proposed three new resonant gate drive circuits that can be widely used in low voltage, high current and high frequency DC-DC converters. The proposed drive circuits can charge and discharge the gate capacitor of the power switches with a high level constant current. The major benefit of the proposed gate drive circuits is that it can reduce the gate drive losses of the power switches. It can also reduce the switching losses of the power switches. Detailed descriptions of the operation principle is presented. In addition, loss analysis and design rules of the proposed drive circuits are also presented. Simulation and experimental results are provided as well. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...