Highly dynamic multiphase wide-bandgap DC-DC converter for automotive active suspension systems
In order to enable dynamic driving while increasing both safety and comfort, active suspension systems can minimize or completely eliminate roll movements in the vehicle body. Active electrical roll stabilization can provide high dynamics to compensate roll movement during cornering while rapidly compensating road irregularities. Whereas battery-stabilized 48 V systems provide sufficient power and speed to source the required highly dynamic current of existing roll stabilizers, such 48 V energy storages in addition to a standard 12 V battery increase weight and cost. We present a highly dynamic DC/DC converter to eliminate the 48 V battery. The bidirectional 12 V/48 V converter uses a mixed feed-forward/feed-back design to deal with both rapid 48 V load changes as well as fluctuations of the 12 V supply caused by typical 12 V loads and the generator. Latest wide-bandgap semiconductors in a multiphase topology enable the high required speed and efficiency.
