Power Integrations Pushes GaN Flyback Switcher ICs to 900 V
March 31, 2023
Blog
Power Integrations has made a name for itself in high-voltage ICs for energy-efficient power conversion. Recently, the company released a 900-V gallium-nitride (GaN) extension to the company’s InnoSwitch3 family of flyback switcher ICs. Designed with the company’s patented PowiGaN technology, the devices can deliver up to 100 watts with more than 93% efficiency, eliminating the need for heat sinks and thereby simplifying the design of space-challenged applications.
These specs suit the flyback switcher ICs for auxiliary power in electric vehicles (EVs) during low-power sleep modes. Specifically, the AEC-Q100-qualified InnoSwitch3-AQ family is suited for EVs based on 400-V bus systems where the 900-V PowiGaN switch provides the power and design margin required for 12-V battery-replacement systems. Such systems were previously powered by silicon-based converters.
In the industrial space, extra power and increased efficiency are advantageous in applications such as appliances, three-phase motors, and auxiliary power supply units (PSUs) in servers. The 900-volt parts are pin-for-pin compatible with existing 725- and 750-V InnoSwitch3-EP parts, simplifying design and offering increased safety margin which is desired in countries with unstable line voltages.
The InnoSwitch3-EP employs synchronous rectification, a valley switching discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), and continuous conduction mode (CCM) flyback controller. FluxLink communication technology lets the IC package bridge the isolation barrier, optimizing efficiency and eliminating the need for optocouplers. PowiGaN technology enables InnoSwitch3-EP ICs to deliver up to 100 W (230 Vac ±15%) without heat sinks. Multiple protection features include line over- and under-voltage protection, output over-voltage and over-current limiting, and over-temperature shutdown.
Devices are available with standard and peak power delivery options. Automotive InnoSwitch3-AQ devices can also deliver 100 W from a 400-V bus. Prices for the devices aimed at industrial applications start at $2.00 for 10,000-unit quantities.
Rich Nass is a regular contributor to Embedded Computing Design. He has appeared on more than 500 episodes of the popular Embedded Executive podcast series, and is a regular contributor to the Embedded Insiders podcast.
Rich has been in the engineering OEM industry for more than 35 years, and is a recognized expert in the areas of embedded computing, Edge AI, industrial computing, the IoT, and cyber-resiliency and safety and security issues. He writes and speaks regularly on these topics and more.
Rich is currently the Liaison to Industry for the Embedded World North America Exhibition and Conference, and has held similar positions with the global Embedded World Conference and Exhibition.
Previously, Rich was the Brand Director for UBM’s award-winning Design News property. Prior to that, he led the content team for UBM Canon’s Medical Devices Group, as well all custom properties and events. In prior stints, he led the Content Team at EE Times, handling the Embedded and Custom groups and the TechOnline DesignLine network of design engineering web sites.
Nass holds a BSEE degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
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