News: Microelectronics
6 April 2020
Transphorm and Microchip combine GaN and DSP technology
Transphorm Inc of Goleta, near Santa Barbara, CA, USA — which designs and manufactures JEDEC- and AEC-Q101-qualified 650V gallium nitride (GaN) field-effect transistors (FETs) for high-voltage power conversion applications — has announced a partnership to integrate the dsPIC33CK digital signal controller board of microcontroller provider Microchip Technology Inc of Chandler, AZ, USA with its 4kW AC-to-DC bridgeless totem pole power factor correction (PFC) evaluation board, which features the firm’s latest Gen IV GaN technology. Building on Transphorm’s application support capabilities, Microchip’s worldwide technical support team will also be available to developers working with the integrated Transphorm solution.
As a result, customers can access an evaluation board offering more than 99% efficiency and pre-programmed firmware off the shelf, now backed with global support to further simplify AC-to-DC power system designs.
“The control requirements of GaN power systems using the bridgeless totem-pole power factor correction is different than what is used to control traditional CCM boost PFCs which has long been a new challenge for some ODMs,” says Philip Zuk, Transphorm’s VP of worldwide technical marketing and North American sales. “Two industry leaders have partnered to reduce that knowledge gap,” he adds. “We’re giving customers access to a disruptive GaN solution backed by a world-class global support team.”
Microchip’s dsPIC digital signal controllers (DSCs) are supported by a set of embedded design tools created to empower developers, even those with limited expertise. These tools provide intuitive graphic user interfaces for device initialization in Microchip’s free MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment. The software tools are complemented by a full line of programmer, debugger and emulator accessories.
The DSC-integrated solution is used in Transphorm’s TDTTP4000W066C-KIT, featuring:
- 650V 35mΩ Gen IV GaN FET (TP65H035G4WS);
- input voltage: 85-265VAC, 47-63Hz;
- input current: 18Arms; 2kW at 115VAC, 4kW at 230VAC;
- output voltage: 387VDC ± 5VDC (programmable);
- deadtime: programmable;
- PWM frequency: 66kHz;
- power factor: >0.99.
The evaluation board is designed around Microchip’s dsPIC33CK digital power plug in module (PIM) to control the PFC powertrain. The kit includes a pre-programmed PIM that features:
- Microchip’s AEC-Q100-qualified dsPIC33CK256MP506 digital signal controller;
- 100MIPS for faster deterministic performance in time-critical control applications;
- Dual Flash Panels – to enable live update of code while power supply is running;
- High analog integration for reduced BOM costs and minimum system size;
- PWMs with 250ps resolution.
Firmware updates for the dsPIC33CK PIM will be available for download from Microchip’s website.
“Microchip’s dsPIC DSCs are designed to meet the demanding control needs associated with newer digital power topologies,” says Joe Thomsen, Microchip’s vice president of MCU16. “We are proud to work alongside a likeminded industry disruptor, Transphorm, to provide our customers this reference design including Transphorm’s proven GaN devices. Our dsPIC33CK PIMs will offer engineers the flexibility and worldwide support that many designers need for their high-power solutions.”
The TDTTP4000W066C-KIT is available through Digi-Key and Mouser.
Transphorm customers currently working with the prior-generation evaluation board — the TDTTP4000W066B-KIT — can still take advantage of the dsPIC33CK PIM integration by contacting Transphorm for a conversion daughter card.
