Transphorm introduces low-cost SuperGaN FET drive solution

     Transphorm, the global leader in GaN (gallium nitride) technology in next-generation power systems, recently introduced a high-performance, low-cost drive solution. The design solution is suitable for low to medium power applications such as LED lighting, charging, microinverters, UPS and gaming computers, further strengthening the company's value proposition to customers in these areas in the $3 billion power market.

     Unlike competing e-mode gallium nitride device solutions, which require level switching circuits with custom drivers or gate protection devices, Transphorm's SuperGaN FET devices are easy to drive because they are paired with off-the-shelf drivers. This powerful capability gives customers a cost advantage when using Transphorm devices. The newly defined solution incorporates high-speed, non-isolated, high-voltage half-bridge gate drivers, further reducing the total cost of the system without compromising GaN FET devices or system performance.

     Philip Zuk, Transphorm senior vice president, Head of business development and marketing, said: "Our normally disconnected gallium nitride platform is more competitive because it works with well-known off-the-shelf drives. The ability to select a drive is an important advantage. Customers can select drives based on varying levels of performance advantage, while making power system costs more manageable. This is particularly important in price-sensitive end markets." He continued, "What Transphorm devices offer is higher performance, the ability to enable customers to build a BOM based on the desired end result to achieve the desired performance as cost-effectively as possible."

     Transphorm also recommends a variety of other drivers that have advantages such as high isolation voltage levels (control to output drive signals), short propagation delay times, fast switching times, and programmable dead zone times, making them ideal for high-power applications.

     Low to medium power applications such as power adapters, gaming laptop chargers, LED lighting, and two - and three-wheeler chargers are price sensitive. Power systems in these types of products usually do not require advanced features such as security isolation. Therefore, the use of advanced drives may unnecessarily increase the cost of the Bill of Materials (BOM).