Power Integrations introduces InnoSwitch5 offline flyback switcher IC

This is made possible by a unique secondary-side control scheme enabling zero-voltage switching (ZVS) without the need for an expensive, separate high-voltage switch. The innovative IC features either a 750 or a 900V PowiGaN primary switch, a primary-side controller, FluxLink isolated feedback, and a secondary controller with an I2C interface. This combination is ideal for creating compact, highly efficient single- or multi-port USB PD adapters for notebooks, high-end mobile phones, and other portable consumer products, including those requiring the new USB PD EPR (Extended Power Range) protocol.

Adnaan Lokhandwala, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Power Integrations, explained the significance of this development: "The combination of ZVS and GaN is power supply magic. Switching losses vanish, and we can leverage the low conduction losses of GaN to implement super dense adapter layouts with far fewer components than asymmetric half-bridge (AHB) circuits or active clamp alternatives. For example, we have demonstrated 140W/28V USB PD adapters in 4.2 cubic inches using only 106 components. The flyback topology used by InnoSwitch5-Pro ICs is much easier to implement than AHB and can also operate from universal mains with or without a PFC stage.”

The InnoSwitch5-Pro flyback switcher ICs feature innovative lossless input line voltage sensing on the secondary side. This allows for adaptive DCM/CCM and ZVS control, maximising efficiency and simplifying design across various line and load conditions. Additionally, these ICs include a post-production tolerance offset, ensuring accurate output constant-current (CC) control of better than two percent to support the UFCS protocol. Their efficiency – exceeding 95% – enables designers to forego heat sinks, spreaders, and potting materials for thermal management, thereby reducing size, weight, component cost, and manufacturing complexity.

These ICs are ideal for several key markets, including high-density USB PD 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR), UFCS, and multi-protocol adapters, as well as notebook adapters and after-market single- and multi-port chargers and adapters.

InnoSwitch5-Pro devices are available, with prices starting at $2.40 for orders of 10,000 units.