An integrable base drive technology for very high current bipolar transistor switches

A 600 W halfbridge push pull converter is presented that provides a constant voltage of 1.5 V and current of 400 A and operates at 100 kHz with an efficiency of between 55 and 60%. This is possible because of the application of the concept of matrix transformers and because of the operation at higher frequencies. It is shown that matrix transformers have major advantages in the area of integrability of high-current low-voltage supplies, with many advantages, such as distributed heat dissipation reducing the chances of thermal runaway. High frequency switching decreases electromagnetic component size and reduces weight and volume. Experimental results show that the major losses of the converter were due to the rectifying diodes and that the maximum achievable efficiency was 65%.<>