Configurable GaN Half-Bridge Power Stage With Isolated Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing off-the-shelf power converters lack flexibility and features for dynamic applications, leading to lengthy and costly development cycles in custom power systems.

Innovation Solution

A turnkey power system utilizing multiple Gallium nitride (GaN) filtered half-bridges with isolated interfaces and a flexible digital controller, enabling configurable power stages that can be quickly adapted to various applications without hardware or software redesign.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If off-the-shelf power converters are used, then development time is reduced for simple demands, but flexibility and features for dynamic applications are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevelopment timeVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power converter system employs dynamic reconfiguration capability through switchable circuit topologies and adjustable control parameters, allowing the same hardware platform to adapt to different application requirements in real-time, thus providing both quick deployment and flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed as a universal power converter platform that can serve multiple applications through configurable parameters and modular architecture, eliminating the need for separate dedicated converters for different applications while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom power systems are designed for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but development cycles become lengthy and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddevelopment cycle

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates pre-configured modular components, pre-programmed control algorithms, and pre-tested circuit topologies that can be rapidly deployed without extensive development, allowing flexible adaptation to different applications while avoiding lengthy development cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power converter is divided into modular functional blocks (power stage, control circuitry, isolation interface) that can be independently configured and combined, enabling rapid system assembly and adaptation without complete redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If isolated interfaces are implemented, then safety and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An isolation interface acts as an intermediary between the control circuitry and power stage, providing galvanic isolation for safety while using standardized communication protocols to minimize the complexity increase through modular integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12395080B2Turnkey power system with flexible control of configurable power stage

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

Disclosed are example embodiments of a power system. The power system includes a half-bridge circuit. The half-bridge circuit includes a voltage input and at least one voltage output. The power system also includes an isolation interface, coupled to the half-bridge circuit. The power system includes control circuitry, coupled to the half-bridge circuit through the isolation interface, wherein the half-bridge circuit is configurable, and wherein the voltage input and the at least one voltage output of the half-bridge circuit are isolated from the control circuitry by the isolation interface.