An EMI-Compliant and Automotive-Rated 48V to Point-of-Load Dickson-Based Hybrid Switched-Capacitor DC-DC Converter

Abstract

With both data center power delivery and automotive powertrains tending towards a 48V distribution rail, high performance hybrid switched-capacitor (hybrid SC) converters have become an attractive power delivery solution in both spaces. However, automotive power systems present unique challenges in reliability and noise qualifications. This work investigates a regulating Dickson-based hybrid SC topology with low inherent electromagnetic interference (EMI) as well as mitigation techniques, such as an input filter and spread spectrum frequency modulation (SSFM). The proposed filter and modulation schemes enable this converter to meet automotive EMI standards. A hardware prototype combining a power stage and passive input filter is built to demonstrate the merit of hybrid SC topologies for use in 48V automotive systems.