Transphorm and TDK-Lambda expand GaN Module Family
12V and 48V 500 W PSUs mark second and third products in TDK’s PFH Series
Hi-rel GaN maker Transphorm has confirmed that power supply manufacturer TDK-Lambda has expanded its GaN-based PFH500F AC-DC power module product line.
The PFH500F-12 and PFH500F-48 are the second and third modules in TDK’s series of 500-watt AC-DC power supplies. Respectively, they offer 12V and 48V power outputs. As with their predecessor, the GaN-based 28V PFH500F-28, these latest supplies deliver various GaN benefits to end applications including a six percent efficiency increase in a 13 percent smaller device package. Combined, these advantages yield a 38 percent power density improvement when compared to the PFE500SA-12 and PFE500SA-48, TDK-Lambda’s incumbent silicon-based 12V and 48V modules.
The PFH500F series uses 72 mΩ, 8x8 PQFN GaN FETs (TP65H070LDG) from Transphorm. These power transistors’ high power density enabled TDK to cool the GaN power supplies via thin baseplates. In turn, TDK was able to produce a leaner, tightly contained power module capable of supporting a wide variety of broad industrial applications operating in harsh environments. Such applications include commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) power supplies, custom fanless power supplies, 5G communication, laser, digital signage/displays, signaling, and more.
The 12V and 48V PFH500F modules were designed by the TDK-Lambda Americas Dallas, TX team and deploy a bridgeless totem pole PFC configuration. While the flagship 28V GaN power supply took about three plus years to design, TDK’s engineering team was able to adapt its learning to produce these latest models in a year.
“TDK’s decision to launch the PFH500F product line as a GaN line was the result of carefully considering what our customers want and need,” said Jin He, Vice President of Engineering at TDK-Lambda Americas. “And, what our customers require are reliable power systems for use in rugged applications that can’t afford to fail. By using Transphorm’s GaN, we are able to confidently deliver that in increasingly smaller, higher performing PSUs that can also inspire end system innovation.”
