A GaN-based synchronous rectifier for WPT receivers with reduced THD

摘要

This work examines the potential of a GaN-based synchronous rectifier as a receiver in 6.78 MHz wireless power transfer (WPT) applications. Compared to a traditional diode-based rectifier, the synchronous rectifier has merits in its additional control freedoms. The active control of switching actions can be used to alter impedance presented to transmitting source, or, when combined with a zero-voltage switching (ZVS) resonant tank, to reduce harmonics generated by the switching actions, and therefore mitigate requirements on the filter network to meet EMI limitations. Analysis of control and hardware design strategies to maximize efficiency, limit total harmonic distortion (THD), and control impedance at the WPT frequency are presented and verified on a prototype experimental platform.