Power Integrations introduces 900V Gallium nitride flyback switch IC

     Power Integrations has announced the launch of 900V gallium nitride (GaN) devices, adding to the InnoSwitch3™ family of flyback switch ics. Using the company's unique PowiGaN™ technology, the new IC delivers up to 100W of power with an efficiency of over 93%, eliminating the need for heat fins and simplifying power design for space-constrained applications.

     The InnoSwitch3 design also features excellent light-load efficiency, making it ideal for providing auxiliary power to electric vehicles in low-power sleep mode. The AEC-Q100 standard InnoSwitch3-AQ product family is particularly suitable for EVs based on 400V busbar systems, while the 900V PowiGaN switch provides greater power and design margin for systems with 12V battery replacement, and is more efficient than silicon based converters.

     "Our ability to offer gallium nitride devices with pressure ratings up to 900V is a testament to the extremely high reliability and durability of our PowiGaN technology," said Silvestro Fimiani, senior product marketing Manager at Power Integrations. In the industrial sector, increased power capacity and higher efficiency are also extremely advantageous in applications such as home appliances, three-phase motors, and auxiliary power supplies (Psus) in servers. The new 900V device is compatible with the existing 725V and 750V InnoSwitch3-EP device pins and provides a higher safety margin, ideal for countries or regions with unstable mains voltage.

     "The mainstream bus voltage for electric vehicles is 400V," said Peter Vaughan, Director of Automotive Business Development at Power Integrations. Electric car makers are optimizing their new-generation 400V systems and redesigning various power converters in vehicles, such as on-board chargers. The 900V PowiGaN switch is useful because it easily copes with the high inductance noise spikes that often occur in automotive environments. The additional power provided by our gallium nitride technology can meet the growing power needs of electric vehicle manufacturers. In addition, the efficiency of the power converter, even in the auxiliary power supply system, is important to improve the range and temperature rise of the vehicle."

     The new 900V InnoSwitch3-EP and InnoSwitch3-AQ constant-voltage/constant-displacement fly-back IC are powered by synchronous receding, trough opening discontinuous on-mode (DCM) and continuous on-mode (CCM) fly-back controllers. FluxLink™ communication technology enables IC packaging to be located on a safety barrier, thereby increasing efficiency and eliminating optical couplers. PowiGaN technology enables the InnoSwitch3-EP IC to deliver power up to 100W (at 230VAC±15% conditions) without heat sinks.

     The InnoSwitch3-EP device incorporates a number of protective features, including input overvoltage and undervoltage protection, output overvoltage and overcurrent limits, and overtemperature shut-off. This family of devices offers standard and peak output power options. The automotive grade InnoSwitch3-AQ device delivers 100W output from a 400V busbar and has similar performance and protection features to the popular 1700V silicon Carbide InnoSwitch3-AQ IC used in 800V electric vehicle systems.