EPC Space signs Digi-Key to distribute rad-hard GaN
Radiation-hardened GaN devices for space, aerospace and other high reliability applications by EPC Space are now available from Digi-Key, following a distribution agreement signed by the two companies.
Digi-Key Electronics will be a global distributor for EPC Space’s line of rad-hard GaN-on-silicon transistors and ICs, supplied packaged, tested, and qualified for satellite and high-reliability applications. The EPC Space offering of rad-hard enhancement mode power transistors spans a range of 40 to 300V and demonstrate significant performance advantages over competitive silicon-based rad-hard power MOSFETs, says the company.
EPC Space technology produces GaN devices that are smaller, have lower resistance, and have many times superior switching performance compared to silicon solutions, continues EPC Space. Digi-Key will also distribute the family of rad hard enhancement mode GaN drivers and power stages.
Rad-hard GaN drivers are optimised to drive rad-hard GaN transistors in critical spaceborne systems. Rad-hard power stages integrate a high speed gate drive circuit with power switches to provide a monolithic complete power stage for small, lower weight systems. The drivers and power stages include fast, low-side eGaN drivers, fast, dual low-side eGaN drivers and half-bridge drivers with integrated eGaN power switches. They are intended for use in critical spaceborne applications, such as power supplies for satellites and mission equipment, light detection and ranging (lidar) for robotics and autonomous navigation and rendezvous docking, motor drives for robotics and instrumentation, and ion thrusters for satellite orientation and positioning as well as interplanetary propulsion of low-mass robotic vehicles.
“The addition of EPC Space’s rad hard gallium nitride-based power management products completes the entire EPC’s product portfolio through Digi-Key and brings intriguing next-generation breakthrough benefits to existing silicon-based solutions,” said David Stein, vice president of global supplier management for Digi-Key.
While Bel Lazar, EPC Space’s CEO, added: “Digi-Key has the fastest global logistics and the most efficient supply chain to service customers from early engineering through volume production” adding that customers will be able to “access the entire line of EPC’s GaN power device products to replace their less-efficient, more costly silicon solutions”.
EPC Space provides high-reliability, radiation-hardened, enhancement-mode gallium nitride (eGaN) power management for space and other harsh environments.
Digi-Key Electronics is headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA and specialises in the distribution of electronic components and automation products worldwide. Digi-Key provides more than 13 million components from over 2,200 quality name-brand manufacturers with product in stock and available for immediate shipment.
Digi-Key also supports design engineers and procurement professionals with a digital solutions and tools.
