4kW GaN-Based 0.1-10 MHz RF Class-D Inverter

A GaN-based Class-D RF inverter is described. Target output level is 4 kW over the frequency range 0.1-10 MHz. The implemented solution is in a half-bridge configuration with multiple units operating in parallel. This work describes results from operation of the individual component modules at the 1-2 kW level, and parallel operation up to 4 kW. The novelty of the application lies in its waveform fidelity using state-of-art fiber-optic 10G Ethernet transceivers as the isolation stage; this drives an FPGA that in turn drives a novel 2-stage current-mode gate drive circuit for the main GaN power transistors.