Allegro introduces new isolated gate driver ics that deliver leading power conversion densities

     Allegro MicroSystems, a global leader in sensing and power semiconductor solutions for motion control and energy saving systems, announced the introduction of the new power-thru isolated gate driver AHV85110, which provides a single-package solution capable of driving GaN FETs. It is the first product in the Power-Thru product line. Compared to competing products on the market, the solution has 50% less space and 40% more efficiency.

     The global clean energy market requires power system designers in the automotive and industrial sectors to generate, store and use energy more efficiently, and wideband gap silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) field-effect transistors (FETs) offer significant efficiency benefits at the system level, but often come with some significant integration challenges.

     The implementation of traditional gate drivers requires isolated gate drivers and a separate isolated power supply, and the connection between the driver, power supply, and FET can bring unnecessary noise and generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) when the system is assembled, which can degrade system performance. Mitigating these impacts can lead to increased design complexity, project schedule time and cost, and solution size and weight.

     Allegro's patented and highly differentiated Power-Thru gate driver (AHV85110) provides designers with a new efficient, high-power isolated gate drive technology that delivers multiple system-level benefits. The new gate driver uses innovative and unique technology to combine the traditionally separate isolated gate driver and isolated power supply into a single, compact, robust package. Allegro's new platform minimizes the path to EMI and simplifies system integration, thereby reducing time to market while increasing efficiency and saving on production costs. This is a perfect example of "less is more."

     Vijay Mangtani, Vice President and General Manager of High Voltage Power Supplies at Allegro MicroSystems, said: "Our engineering team leveraged the previously acquired Heyday Integrated Circuits Heyday technology to rapidly develop the first device in the Power-Thru portfolio to help designers achieve efficiency and Power density goals in clean energy and electric transportation systems. "This new family of patented, industry-leading solutions enables engineers to build smaller, more efficient systems while reducing time to market and maximizing return on investment."