Power Integrations has launched a new series of 900V gallium-nitride (GaN) extension integrated circuits (ICs) for their InnoSwitch3 family of flyback switcher ICs. The new ICs incorporate Power Integrations’ proprietary PowiGaN technology, which offers greater power density and higher efficiency in power conversion. The 900V InnoSwitch3 ICs deliver up to 100W with better than 93% efficiency, and they can easily accommodate inductive noise spikes, streamlining the design process of space-constrained applications. These features eliminate the need for heat sinks, which reduces both cost and size.
The InnoSwitch3 family of ICs are optimized for high efficiency, and they offer exceptional light-load efficiency, making them ideal for providing auxiliary power in electric vehicles (EVs) during low-power sleep modes. The InnoSwitch3-AQ family is particularly suitable for EVs based on 400V bus systems, where the 900V PowiGaN switch provides more power and increased design margin. The PowiGaN switch is required for 12V battery-replacement systems and offers enhanced efficiency over silicon-based converters.
According to Peter Vaughan, automotive business development director at Power Integrations, “The dominant bus voltage for electric vehicles is 400V. EV manufacturers are optimizing their new generation of 400V systems and re-engineering various power stages in the vehicle, such as the on-board charger. The 900V PowiGaN switch is extremely beneficial because it can operate from as low as 30V DC, enabling systems to meet functional safety active discharge requirements. The extra power delivered by our GaN technology matches the increasing power demands of EV manufacturers, moreover, efficiency in power conversion ― even in auxiliary systems ― is important for both range extension and thermal management.”
Aside from the automotive industry, the 900V InnoSwitch3 ICs have also shown great potential in industrial applications, such as appliances, three-phase motors, and auxiliary power supply units (PSUs) in servers. These devices offer increased safety margins, which are ideal for countries with unstable line voltages. They are pin-for-pin compatible with existing 725V and 750V InnoSwitch3-EP parts, which allows for a seamless upgrade to the new technology.
The new 900V InnoSwitch3-EP and InnoSwitch3-AQ off-line CV/CC flyback switcher ICs employ synchronous rectification, a valley switching discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), and continuous conduction mode (CCM) flyback controller. The PowiGaN technology enables InnoSwitch3-EP ICs to deliver up to 100W (230V AC ±15%) without heat sinks. Additionally, the InnoSwitch3-EP devices incorporate multiple protection features including line over- and under-voltage protection, output over-voltage and over-current limiting, and over-temperature shutdown.
Overall, Power Integrations’ new 900V GaN flyback switcher ICs are a significant step forward for the semiconductor industry. They offer exceptional power density and efficiency, making them ideal for a variety of high-power applications. The InnoSwitch3 family of ICs is one of the most advanced and feature-rich flyback switcher ICs on the market today, and the new 900V PowiGaN switch will undoubtedly be a game-changer for many applications.
