ePower stage ICs boost power density and simplify design

The three ICs are capable of a maximum withstand voltage of 100V and integrate a complete GaN half-bridge power stage that includes symmetrical FETs in half bridge configuration, half bridge driver, level shifter, bootstrap charging, and input logic interface.

The three devices feature a thermally enhanced QFN package measuring only 3.5x5.0mm with exposed top for dual side cooling and wettable flanks. Footprint compatibility enables customers to upgrade their design for better performance or lower cost without modification to the board, and therefore can easily adapt to changing load requirements.

In DC-DC applications, the devices can operate with high efficiency at high switching frequency (3 MHz maximum) and offer higher performance and smaller solution size for 28V – 60V DC-DC in computing, industrial, and USB PD 3.1 applications.

In 32V – 48V BLDC motor drives for e-mobility, robotics, power tools, and drones, the device can operate with small deadtimes (21ns) and at 100kHz to increase the system efficiency due to less motor core losses and vibrations, and to reduce or eliminate the electrolytic capacitors.

“The ePower family of products makes it easy for designers to take advantage of the significant performance improvements made possible with GaN technology,” said Alex Lidow, CEO and Co-founder of EPC. “Integrated devices are easier to design, easier to layout, easier to assemble, save space on the PCB, and increase efficiency. Designers can use these devices to make lighter weight and more precise BLDC motor drives, higher efficiency 48V input DC-DC converters, higher fidelity class-d audio systems, and other industrial and consumer applications.”

Development board

The development board, EPC90151 and EPC90152, are half bridge demo boards featuring the EPC23103 and the EPC23104 ePower Stage IC respectively. The purpose of the boards is to simplify the evaluation process of the EPC23103 and the EPC23104. These 2x2” (50.8x50.8mm) boards are designed for optimal switching performance and contain all critical components for easy evaluation.

Price and availability

The EPC23103 priced at $3.75 each in 1Ku volumes. The EPC23104 priced at $3.00 each in 1Ku volumes.

The development board, EPC90151 and EPC90152, are priced at $200.00 each.