News: Microelectronics
5 August 2021
GaN Systems and ON Semi partner to release first bridgeless totem pole PFC evaluation board
GaN Systems Inc of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (a fabless developer of gallium nitride-based power switching semiconductors for power conversion and control applications) and power semiconductor IC supplier ON Semiconductor of Phoenix, AZ, USA have released a new 300W BTP-PFC bridgeless totem pole power factor correction (PFC) evaluation board.
The board includes ON Semi’s NCP1680, which is claimed to be the industry’s first dedicated critical conduction mode (CrM) bridgeless totem pole PFC controller, and GaN Systems’ 650V GS66508B GaN transistors. The NCP1680 controller and GS66508B transistors combine to deliver a cost-effective and high-performing solution in a small footprint.
The solution enables power engineers to evaluate GaN and capitalize on its benefits in improving power system performance. GaN Systems’ GS66508B is a 650V, 30A transistor that provides low loss, high switching frequency, zero reverse recovery, and very low junction-to-case thermal resistance. The evaluation board allows rapid development of advanced totem pole PFC designs and is suitable in various power supply applications for the data-center, telecom, industrial and consumer industries.
On the controller side, the bridgeless totem pole PFC solution leverages the NCP1680, which is said to offer unique features for operation under light load conditions, a digital voltage loop compensation, and near-unity power factor in all operating modes. Altogether, the solution achieves near 99% efficiency, simplifies design, and reduces bill-of-material count and cost.
“Leaders like ON Semiconductor recognize the importance of GaN and are optimizing controllers and creating complementary tools like the new 300W PFC evaluation board,” says GaN Systems’ CEO Jim Witham. “These solutions strengthen the GaN industry ecosystem in the goal to make better performing and more cost-effective power electronics.”
GaN Systems and ON Semi release 100V high-speed, half-bridge evaluation board
GaN Systems and ON Semiconductor make available high-speed half-bridge evaluation board
