EMC implications of implementing WBG devices in battery charger modules for electric vehicles

Abstract

GaN and SiC semiconductor devices have the potential of drastic downsizing of power converters in applications where size is strictly limited like in electromobility. In electric powertrains, on-board chargers need to operate in a wide voltage and power range limited by the battery and its conditions. In this context, both size and voltage-power range can be achieved through the effective utilization of GaN and SiC devices. Nevertheless, although GaN and SiC devices offer outstanding features in fast transitions, low on-resistances, and the ability to switch faster, these characteristics can generate much higher EM emissions that can affect the charger operation. Consequently, additional circuitry is required to mitigate such emissions although it can jeopardize the ultimate goal of compactness. In this paper, trasients, ringing, harmonic content, and conducted emissions in both GaN and SiC Devices and use of magnetic components is analyzed. Such analysis is conducted with experimental tests under real conditions of battery charging for Electric Vehicles.