EPC launches more GaN power conversion products
New products target DC-DC conversion in high performance server applications and thin form factor mobile devices
Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC) has introduced two new GaN power modules for DC-DC conversion, increasing efficiency across the 48V to point-of-load power architecture.
The EPC9205 is a high-power density PCB-based power module for 48V to 12V conversions while the EPC9204 address the 20V to point-of-load conversion with an ultra-thin profile PCB-based power module.
The EPC9205 is an 80V, 10A PCB-based power module featuring the 100V EPC2045 eGaN FET for 'plug and play' evaluation of the high performance gained with GaN power transistors. It is said to exceed 1400 W/in3 per cubic inch in a 48V to 12V application, and occupies less than one-tenth of a cubic inch of board space
It can be used for high-performance servers needed for demanding computing applications such as multi-user gaming systems, autonomous cars, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency mining.
The EPC9204 is a 20V, 10A PCB-based power module featuring the 30V EPC2111 eGaN IC capable of operating up to 10MHz. This high frequency capability of the GaN solution reduces the size of the passive components resulting in a low profile of 1.2 mm from PCB board.
Applications benefitting from the performance of the EPC9204 include point-of-load power conversion for servers, thin form factor mobile devices, and USB-C.
According to Alex Lidow, CEO and co-founder: "As expectations for increasingly power-hungry applications expand while the conflicting desire for equipment to be small and lightweight persists, reducing size and decreasing power consumption is critical. The efficiencies achieved by the EPC9204 and EPC9205 small form factors show how GaN-based power devices, available now, are driving the next generation of computing."
Quick Start Guides, containing set up procedures, circuit diagrams, performance curves, and bills of material are included with the EPC9204 and EPC9205 for reference and ease of use is provided on-line.
EPC9204 and EPC9205 development boards are priced at $131.25 each and are available from Digi-Key.
Monolithic GaN power transistor with integrated driver products
EPC has also announced the EPC2112 and EPC2115 enhancement-mode monolithic GaN power transistors with integrated driver products.
The EPC2112 is a 200V, 40-mΩ eGaN FET plus integrated gate driver. In comparison, the EPC2115 is an integrated circuit with dual 150 V, 70-mΩ eGaN FETs plus gate drivers. Both products are capable of operating up to 7 MHz and are available in low inductance, extremely small, 2.9 mm x 1.1 mm BGA surface-mount passivated die.
In both products, the integrated driver is specifically matched to the eGaN device to yield optimal performance under various operating conditions. Performance is further enhanced due to the small, low inductance footprint. Monolithic integration eliminates interconnect inductances for higher efficiency at high frequency. This is especially important for high frequency applications such as resonant wireless power, and high frequency DC-DC conversion.
As design examples for these new ICs, two differential class-E amplifier development boards are available for order.
The EPC9089 is an AirFuel Alliance compatible class 4 (33 W) and uses the EPC2112. Whereas, the EPC9088 is a class 3 (16 W) amplifier using the EPC2115. The EPC2112 is also featured in a new demonstration board, the EPC9131, for a 300 kHz SEPIC converter low voltage DC-DC application.
