Development of a class D resonant power converter for radio frequency heating

Abstract

Resonant converters find widespread application in the industries for Radio Frequency (RF) heating. Various topologies using vacuum tubes are currently used for such application. Realizing class D topologies with solid state devices could provide more reliability. This work explores possibility of developing a 1kW Class D resonant converter for heating applications using Si/SiC MOSFETs which can replace vacuum tube RF generators. A resonant gate driver which enables efficient switching and modularity along with some practical aspects in implementing a class D converter is discussed here. The results from the developed class D converter and the suggestions for improvement are also highlighted here.