Efficient Power Conversion Corp (EPC) of El Segundo, CA, USA, which makes enhancement-mode gallium nitride on silicon (eGaN) power field-effect transistors (FETs) for power management applications, has introduced DrGaNPLUS evaluation boards, providing an easy-to-use way for power systems designers to evaluate the performance of GaN transistors. The boards are proof-of-concept designs that integrate all necessary components of a half-bridge circuit into a single, extremely small PCB-based module that can be readily mounted to demonstrate the performance of a GaN transistor power conversion solution.
The first DrGaNPLUS board - the EPC9202 100V, 10 A half-bridge power converter - is a plug-and-play evaluation board that designers can use to quickly and easily evaluate the high performance gained with GaN power transistors. As an example, the board reaches 97% peak efficiency with Vin = 48V and Vout = 12V, a common power conversion for telecom applications.
The EPC9202 can be driven by a single PWM input and features two EPC2001 eGaN FETs, the Texas Instruments’ LM5113 driver, and high-frequency input capacitors. This DrGaNPLUS board is small (just over 9mm on a side) and can mount directly onto a printed circuit board. It has been designed with an optimal layout to minimize the debilitating effects of common source and high-frequency power commutation loop inductances.
“In addition to improved performance, lower cost and reliability, ease-of-use is a critical factor in the adoption of a new technology,” says CEO & co-founder Alex Lidow. “With the introduction of DrGaNPLUS evaluation boards, power conversion systems design engineers now have a quick and easy way of assessing the exceptional benefits of incorporating gallium nitride transistors into their power systems circuits,” he adds.
EPC9202 demo boards are priced at $45 each and are available for immediate delivery from Digi-Key. A Quick Start Guide (containing set up procedures, circuit diagram, performance curves, and a bill of material) is included with the EPC9202 demo board for reference and ease of use.