New generation of eGaN FETs double performance for solar micro inverters
Suitable for 48V out synchronous rectification, class D audio, solar micro inverters and optimisers as well as multi-level, high voltage AC/Dc converters, the latest 200V eGaN FETs from Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) is claimed to double the performance of earlier the earlier generation of 200C eGaN FETs while being half the size.
The EPC2215 and EPC2207 200V eGaN FETs can be used for class D audio, synchronous rectification, solar maximum power point tracker (MPPTs), DC/DC converters (hard-switched and resonant), and multi-level high voltage converters.
The 8mOhm EPC2215 (162A pulsed) and the 22mOhm EPC2207 (54A pulsed) are approximately half the size of EPC’s prior generation of 200V eGaN devices yet deliver double the performance, says the company. The performance advantage over a benchmark silicon device is even higher, it adds.
The EPC2215 has 33 per cent lower on resistance, yet is 15 times smaller in size. Gate charge (QG) is 10 times smaller than the silicon MOSFET benchmark and, like all eGaN FETs, there is no reverse recovery charge (QRR). This enables lower distortion class D audio amplifiers as well as more efficient synchronous rectifiers and motor drives, says EPC.
The picture shows the performance comparison of benchmark silicon 200V FET versus 200V eGaN FETs.
“This latest generation of eGaN FETs achieve higher performance in a smaller, more thermally efficient size, and at a comparable cost to traditional MOSFETs,” confirms Alex Lidow, co-founder and CEO of EPC.
EPC collaborated with Semiconductor Power Electronics Center (SPEC) at University of Texas at Austin to develop a 400V, 2.5kW-capable eGaN FET-based four-level flying capacitor multi-level, bridgeless, totem-pole rectifier that is suitable for data centre applications using the new EPC2215. Commenting on the project, Professor Alex Huang said “the advantageous characteristics of eGaN FETs allowed this converter to achieve high power density, ultra-high efficiency, and low harmonic distortion.”
The EPC2215 and its accompanying half bridge development board, the EPC9099, and the EPC2207 and EPC90124 half bridge development board at available now from the distributor, Digi-Key.
