Reference design enables high-density DC-DC power conversion using GaN MOSFETs with a wide input-voltage range and high output current.
Microchip Technology has introduced a 240 W non-isolated DC-DC power-supply reference using the Constant On-Time (COT) controller from Microchip combined with GaN MOSFET technology to enable high-density power-supply designs. Targeted at use in data centers, automotive systems, electric vehicles, industrial and consumer electronics applications, the reference design offers a compact solution with a wide input voltage and high output current capacity for modern power-supply applications.
The reference design is based on Microchip’s COT controller together with GaN MOSFETs to implement an efficient step-down power-supply design. The design operates over an input-voltage range of 36 V to 60 V, providing a regulated 12 V output with an output current of 20 A. A switching frequency of 400 kHz helps in achieving the balance between efficiency, transient response and compactness in implementation.
The controller incorporates features such as remote voltage sensing, output voltage trimming, power-good indication and on/off control to make the system easy to integrate. The MIC2129 allows programming of switching frequency, soft start adjustment, and gate drive voltage selection to optimise the power supply design performance under various operating conditions.
In the power stage, EPC2218 GaN MOSFETs are used along with a Würth inductor to achieve high power density and efficiency in the energy conversion process. The controller supports selectable operating modes, programmable current limiting and remote sensing in order to enhance voltage regulation of the output, particularly in high-current applications, where voltage drop may occur across the PCB traces.
The reference design serves as a platform to evaluate the performance of the DC-DC power conversion with the help of GaN technology. Hardware design files and supporting development resources enable engineers to customise the design for a variety of power-supply applications.
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