Achieves maximum efficiency above 94% while MasterGaN’s integrated safety features protect the output against short circuit and overcurrent
Demonstrating increased power density, boosted energy efficiency, simplified design and accelerated time to market is the new EVLMG1-250WLLC reference design from STMicroelectronics.
The device is a 250W resonant converter with a 100mm x 60mm board outline and 35mm maximum component height. It features the MasterGaN1, which contains one half-bridge STDRIVE gate driver optimally connected to two 650V normally-off GaN transistors with matched timing parameters. There is also a 150mΩ on-resistance (Rds(on)) and 10A maximum current rating. The logic inputs are compatible with signals from 3.3V to 15V.
MasterGaN1 is suitable for high-efficiency soft-switching topologies, including resonant converters, active clamp flyback or forward converters and bridgeless totem-pole power factor correction (PFC) in AC-DC power supplies, DC-DC converters and DC-AC inverters up to 400W.
The primary side runs heatsink-free, leveraging the high efficiency of the GaN power transistors. Additionally, GaN’s superior switching performance allows a higher operating frequency than silicon MOSFETs, permitting smaller magnetic components and capacitors for greater power density and reduced bill of materials.
Designed for a nominal 400V supply, the EVLMG1-250WLLC provides a 24V/10A output and achieves maximum efficiency above 94%. MasterGaN’s integrated safety features protect the converter output against short circuit and overcurrent. There is also brown-out protection and an input-voltage monitor that permits sequencing within an array of DC-DC converters and prevents a motor from starting under low-voltage conditions.
ST’s MasterGaN family comprises pin-compatible integrated half-bridge products, including symmetrical and asymmetrical configurations, housed in a 9mm x 9mm low-profile GQFN package. Containing circuitry rated up to 650V, the packages have over 2mm creepage distance between high-voltage and low-voltage pads. MasterGaN modules are available in various power ratings, allowing engineers to scale their designs with minimal hardware changes.
The EVLMG1-250WLLC is available now from STMicroelectronics and authorised distributors.
