GaNdalf New GaN-based PFC Reference Design Board With Highest Efficiency at Panasonic Industry Booth
Panasonic, Microchip, and Future Electronics are showcasing their latest technology collaboration in the field of bridgeless totem-pole power factor correction (PFC) topology at PCIM 2019.
Panasonic Industry Europe, Microchip Inc., and Future Electronics are showcasing their latest technology collaboration in the field of bridgeless totem-pole power factor correction (PFC) topology at PCIM 2019, Booth 345, Hall 6.
The GaNdalf development platform combines the low output capacitance and zero reverse recovery of the X-GaNTM HEMT power switches from Panasonic and digital control enabled by the latest dual-core digital signal processor from Microchip. Operating from a universal mains input range of 85V- 265V AC, the GaNdalf board achieves a power factor of >0.99 and efficiency in the PFC stage of better than 99.0 percent.
Power-system designers are under more pressure than ever to achieve high efficiency across the whole AC-DC converter circuit. In the PFC stage, the drive for efficiency has led designers to evaluate various bridgeless PFC circuit topologies, which remove the rectifying diode bridge and its associated power losses from the input of the PFC stage. The adoption of topologies using GaN power devices is relevant in this context since conventional silicon super junction MOSFETs perform poorly when it comes to hard-switching. GaNdalf provides a blueprint for OEMs’ implementations of the bridgeless totem-pole PFC topology which offers various advantages compared to other approaches such as:
- Fewer components
- Lowest conduction losses
- Highest efficiency
Francois Perraud, Product Marketing, Power Electronics at Panasonic Industry: “This reference design is an attempt to meet challenges of telecom, server, and industrial power supplies. This design uses much lower switching loss at high voltage combined with zero reverse recovery losses, enabling the highest capability and reverse conduction capability. With 0 recovery losses due to two X- GaN devices, we are proud to deliver the highest possible efficiency for a relatively low component count. We are looking forward to the knowledge we gain through this cooperation with Future Electronics and are enthusiastic about the new possibilities we present to the power electronics market with it!”
About Panasonic
Panasonic Industry Europe GmbH is part of the global Panasonic Group and provides automotive and industrial products and services in Europe. As a partner for the industrial sector, Panasonic researches, develops, manufactures and supplies technologies that support the slogan “A Better Life, A Better World”.
The company’s portfolio covers key electronic components, devices and modules up to complete solutions and production equipment for manufacturing lines across a broad range of industries. Panasonic Industry Europe is part of the global company Panasonic Industrial Solutions. More about Panasonic Industry Europe.