EPC and Analog Devices collaborate on DC-DC Converters
GaN-based reference design using enables up to 2 MHz switching frequency for high power density and low-cost DC-DC conversion.
EPC announces the availability of the EPC9160, a dual output synchronous buck converter reference design board operating at 2 MHz switching frequency that converts an input voltage of 9 V to 24 V to a 3.3 V or 5 V output voltage and delivers up to 15 A continuous current for both outputs. Thanks to the high switching frequency the converter size is very small, only 23 mm x 22 mm for both outputs, and the inductor height is only 3 mm.
The high density and thickness of the design plus the 2 MHz switching frequency make this solution ideal for automotive console applications, where 2 MHz switching frequency is preferred, and computing, industrial, consumer, and telecom power systems requiring small size and a very thin profile. EPC says its eGaN FETs provide the fast switching, high efficiency and small size that can meet the stringent power density requirements of these leading-edge applications.
The EPC9160 reference design uses the EPC2055 enhancement-mode GaN FET and the LTC7890 two-phase analog buck controller with integrated GaN drivers.
The LTC7890 100 V low Iq, dual, 2-phase synchronous step-down controller is fully optimised to drive EPC eGaN FETs and integrates a half bridge driver and smart bootstrap diode. It offers optimised near-zero deadtime or programmable deadtime and programmable switching frequency up to 3 MHz. The quiescent current of 5 uA (VIN = 48 V, VOUT = 5 V, CH1 only) enables very low standby power consumption and excellent light load efficiency.
The EPC2055 40 V eGaN FETs offers 3 mOhm max RDS(on), 6.6 nC QG, 0.7 nC QGD, 1.3 nC QOSS and zero QRR in a super small 2.5 mm x 1.5 mm footprint and can deliver up to 29 A continuous current and 161 A peak current. The excellent dynamic parameters allow very small switching losses at 2 MHz switching frequency.
The efficiency of the EPC9160 is greater than 93 percent for 5 V output and 24 V input . In addition to light load operating mode and adjustable dead time, the board offers UVLO, Over-current protection, and power good output.
Alex Lidow, CEO of EPC said: “GaN FETs ultra-low switching losses enable operations above 2 MHz, with the new analog controller customers now have a full ecosystem able to work above 2 MHz. We are delighted to work with Analog Devices to combine the benefits of their advanced controllers with the performance of GaN to provide customers with the highest power density and low component count solutions that increases the efficiency, increases power density, and reduces system cost”
“The Analog Device’s LTC7890 is designed to fully exploit the high performance of EPC’s eGaN FETs for high power density solutions” said Tae Han, senior product marketing manager at Analog Devices, “The LTC7890 offers higher switching frequency and optimized deadtime that competes well above the current solution in the market while operating in very lower power consumption. With these new controllers, customers can take advantage of the very fast switching of GaN for the highest power density.”
