Design of a Compact GaN-Based Four-Switch Buck-Boost Converter for Supercapacitor Integration in Missile Applications

This paper presents the design and implementation of a compact GaN-based four-switch buck-boost converter tailored for supercapacitor integration in missile applications. The study's objective is to develop an alternative solution for using thermal batteries as a power source in missile systems because of their single-use nature, higher cost, and inability to adapt to varying operational concepts. The study starts by specifying missile system requirements and providing information about supercapacitors as a power source. Then, energy calculations are made in detail, and suitable supercapacitors are selected. To utilize the energy in the supercapacitors, the use of a four-switch buck-boost converter is determined, and its operation is explained. Firstly, a solution based on an integrated FET four-switch buck-boost converter has been evaluated. However, limitations in this solution, like handling higher current loads, low efficiency, and lower thermal management, have emerged. To overcome these limitations, a GaN-based four-switch buck-boost converter solution is proposed. The GaN-based architecture offers flexible solutions for higher voltage and current needs, lowers thermal stress, and increases efficiency. The design is validated through simulations and hardware implementations. Finally, the experimental setup and results are presented. The study concludes that using a GaN-based four-switch buck-boost converter for supercapacitor integration offers a compact, rechargeable, low-cost, and reliable solution in missile applications.