STMicroelectronics EVLMG1-250WLLC MasterGaN reference design

Click2Contact

STMicroelectronics has released the first reference design for its MasterGaN power packages, demonstrating how the highly integrated devices can increase power density, boost energy efficiency, simplify design and accelerate time to market.

The EVLMG1-250WLLC reference design is a 250 W resonant converter with a 100 x 60 mm board outline and 35 mm maximum component height. It features the MasterGaN1, which contains one half-bridge STDRIVE gate driver optimally connected to two 650 V normally-off GaN transistors with matched timing parameters, 150 mΩ on-resistance (Rds(on)) and 10 A maximum current rating. The logic inputs are compatible with signals from 3.3 to 15 V.

MasterGaN1 is suitable for high-efficiency soft-switching topologies including resonant converters, active clamp flyback or forward converters and bridgeless totem-pole PFC (power-factor correction) in AC/DC power supplies, DC/DC converters and DC/AC inverters up to 400 W.

The primary side runs heatsink-free, leveraging the high efficiency of the GaN power transistors. GaN’s switching performance allows a higher operating frequency than ordinary silicon MOSFETs, which should permit smaller magnetic components and capacitors for greater power density and reduced bill of materials.

Designed for a nominal 400 V supply, the reference design provides a 24 V/10 A output and achieves maximum efficiency above 94%. Benefiting from MasterGaN’s integrated safety features, the converter output is protected 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.

The MasterGaN family comprises pin-compatible integrated half-bridge products including symmetrical and asymmetrical configurations, housed in a 9 x 9 mm low-profile GQFN package. Containing circuitry rated up to 650 V, the packages have over 2 mm 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.

For more information: www.st.com/gatedrivers.