Gallium-nitride (GaN) power bridge devices for applications as strong as 500 Watts introduced by STMicro

Jan. 22, 2024
Devices contain two GaN HEMTs connected in half-bridge configuration for building switched-mode power supplies, adapters, and chargers.

GENEVA – STMicroelectronics in Geneva, Switzerland, is introducing the MasterGaN1L and MasterGaN4L next generation of integrated gallium-nitride (GaN) bridge devices for power electronics applications as strong as 500 Watts.

The MasterGaN1L and MasterGaN4L can simplify power-supply design leveraging wide-bandgap technology to achieve the latest ecodesign targets.

The MasterGaN family of bridge devices combines 650-volt GaN high electron-mobility transistors (HEMT) with optimized gate drivers, system protection, and an integrated bootstrap diode that helps power the device at startup.

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Integrating these features saves designers from tackling the complex gate-drive requirements of GaN transistors. Housed in a compact power package, the devices also enhance reliability, cut the bill of materials, and ease circuit layout.

The latest devices contain two GaN HEMTs connected in half-bridge configuration. The arrangement is suitable for building switched-mode power supplies, adapters, and chargers with active-clamp flyback, active-clamp forward, and resonant converter topologies.

The MasterGaN1L and MasterGaN4L are pin-compatible with MasterGaN1 and MasterGaN4 respectively. Compared to the earlier devices, they have an optimized turn-on delay for working at high frequency and high efficiency with low load, especially in resonant topologies.

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The inputs accept signal voltages from 3.3 to 15 volts, with hysteresis and pull-down that facilitate connecting to a controlling device such as a microcontroller, DSP, or Hall-effect sensors.

A dedicated shutdown pin helps designers save system power and the two GaN HEMTs have accurately matched timing with an interlocking circuit to prevent cross-conduction conditions.

For more information contact STMicroelectronics online at www.st.com/en/power-management/mastergan1l.html.

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