GaN Transistor Evaluation Platforms

GaN Systems has launched a daughterboard style evaluation kit to help power design engineers easily evaluate the GaN E-HEMT performance in any system design, along with a universal motherboard (GS665MB-EVB). The family of four daughterboards ranging from 750W to 2,500W consists of two GaN Systems 650V GaN Enhancement-mode HEMTs (E-HEMTs) and all necessary circuits, including half-bridge gate drivers, isolated power supplies and an optional heatsink to form a high performance half bridge power stage.

Several notable features maximize the evaluation platform’s utility: The platform serves as a reference design and evaluation tool as well as a deployment-ready solution for easy in-system evaluation. The vertical mount style has a 35 mm height, which fits the majority of 1U design and allows evaluation of GaN E-HEMT in a traditional through-hole type power supply board. A current shunt position is provided for easy switching energy characterization testing. A universal form factor and footprint are used to allow customers to compare various power levels for optimal cost/performance decisions.

The family of 650 V evaluation boards consist of a universal motherboard as well as four 650 V E-HEMT daughterboards. The evaluation platform family of boards includes: the GS66504B-EVBDB with the GS66504B GaN E-HEMT 650 V/15 A, 100 mΩ; the GS66508B-EVBDB with the GS66508B GaN E-HEMT 650 V/30 A, 50 mΩ; the GS66508T-EVBDB with the GS66508T GaN E-HEMT 650 V/30 A, 50 mΩ, top side cooled; the GS66516T-EVBDB with the GS66516T GaN E-HEMT 650 V/60 A, 25 mΩ, top side cooled; and the GS665MB-EVB Universal 650 V Motherboard.

GaN Systems is also launching the GS61008P-EVBBK, a highly efficient 48V to 12V synchronous buck converter based on the GS61008P 100V, 90A GaN E-HEMT. This system demonstrates very high efficiency at frequencies up to 2MHz, commonly desired in 48V systems.

GaN Systems VP Sales & Marketing, Larry Spaziani, stated, “By developing this family of GaN E-HEMT evaluation boards, we are providing power design engineers with the tools to easily evaluate and optimize GaN transistor performance in their systems. Our evaluation kits facilitate development of ac-dc, energy storage, dc-dc and other power systems. The kits benefit developers across the consumer, datacenter, industrial, transportation, and energy markets.”