24 May 2012 EPC launches eighth brick DC-DC power converter demo board featuring eGaN FETs
Efficient Power Conversion Corp (EPC) of El Segundo, CA, USA, which makes enhancement-mode gallium nitride on silicon (eGaN) power field-effect transistors (FETs) used in power management applications, has launched the EPC9102, a fully functional eighth brick converter. The board is a 36–60V input to 12V output, 375kHz phase-shifted full bridge (PSFB) eighth brick converter with 17A maximum output current.
The EPC9102 uses the 100V EPC2001 eGaN FETs in conjunction with the recently introduced LM5113 100V half-bridge gate driver from Texas Instruments (the first driver to optimally drive and fully release the benefits of E-mode GaN FETs, it is claimed). The EPC9102 demonstrates the performance capabilities of high switching frequency eGaN FETs when coupled with this eGaN driver, EPC says.
The whole converter is constructed within the standard eighth brick footprint and height (2.300" x 0.900" x 0.400”) requirements. Despite its small size, the board has a peak power efficiency of 94.8% while delivering 10A of current with a 36V input.
The EPC9102 demonstration circuit was designed to showcase the size and performance that can be achieved at 375kHz operation using eGaN FETs rather than optimizing the design for maximum output power. The operating frequency is 50–100% higher than similar commercial eighth brick DC-DC power converters.
To assist the power system design engineer, the EPC9102 demonstration board is oversized to allow connections for bench evaluation. There are various probe points to facilitate simple waveform measurements and efficiency calculation. The board is intended for bench evaluation with low ambient temperature and forced air cooling.
EPC9102 demo boards are priced at $306.25 each and are available for immediate delivery from Digi-Key.
A Quick Start Guide is included with the EPC9102 demo board for reference and ease of use.
