Optimized rad-hard DC/DC converters for HEP applications

Abstract

The development of 48 V compatible DC/DC converters that are tolerant to high magnetic fields and radiation helps to reduce the cost and weight of the cabling, power supplies and cooling of High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments. In this paper, a new, optimized and compact bPOL48V module is presented aimed at 48 V to 5–12 V power conversion. This new module, which is available for purchase and as a reference design, reduces the size by 93% compared to previous designs while exhibiting similar efficiency. Furthermore, a framework for optimizing and comparing converter topologies is also introduced, which identifies the 3-level buck topology as a promising topology for future research and development. Moreover, experimental validation of different optimized converters is also provided. The experimental results show that the 3-level buck topology is promising for 48 V to 5 V conversion stages, and that the Berkeley buck topology is promising for the development of 48 V to 1 V conversion stages.