Design and Implementation of a GaN-based Capacitively-Isolated Hybrid Dickson Switched-Capacitor DC-DC Converter for Space Applications

To enable next generation robotic space exploration, innovations in the area of high step-down voltage converters is necessary. This work explores the use of multilevel and hybrid switched capacitor power converters which have unique advantages in mass-critical and harsh radiation space environments. A capacitively-isolated Dickson hybrid switched capacitor converter designed for implementation in a partial power processing high-voltage step-down converter is presented. The converter operation and design are detailed, with particular attention paid to minimizing the total passive component mass. Finally, a 12:1 hardware prototype is presented and experimental results verify operation up to 600 V, with 150 V isolation and a peak efficiency of over 96%.