Development of Isolated SenseGaN current monitoring for boundary conduction mode control of power converters

This paper presents the design of the Isolated SenseGaN (Iso-SenseGaN) current sensing technique using Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors. The isolation technique for the SenseGaN brings an opportunity for integration of sensing element with the power modules, and enables many control schemes in power converters. This could effectively open broader area for smart device monitoring, implementation of current controlling techniques at high frequency, and proper feedback for diagnostics/prognostics developments. In this work, the focus is on the practical challenges for the SenseGaN technique and presenting the inductor-based galvanic isolation. Using the current mirroring method, the authors defined a cursor for detection of the power converter operation mode, i.e., Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) vs. Boundary Conduction Mode (BCM) in a DC-DC boost and a DC-AC converter a real-time setup.