Date:10th June 2012

EPC introduce eighth brick DC-DC converter demo using eGaN FETs

Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC) has introduced the EPC9102, a fully functional eighth brick converter. This board is a 36 V - 60 V input to 12 V output, 375 kHz phase-shifted full bridge (PSFB) eighth brick converter with 17 A maximum output current. The EPC9102 uses the 100 V EPC2001 eGaN FETs in conjunction with the recently introduced LM5113 100V half-bridge gate driver from Texas Instruments. The LM5113 is said to be the industry's first driver to optimally drive and fully release the benefits of enhancement mode gallium nitride FETs. The EPC9102 demonstrates the performance capabilities of high switching frequency eGaN FETs when coupled with this eGaN driver.

The whole converter is constructed within the standard eighth brick footprint and height (2.300" x 0.900" x 0.400") requirements. Despite its small size, the board has a peak power efficiency of 94.8% while delivering 10 amps of current with a 36 V input.

The EPC9102 demonstration circuit was designed to showcase the size and performance that can readily be achieved at 375 kHz operation using eGaN FETs rather than to optimize the design for maximum output power. The operating frequency is roughly 50% - 100% higher than similar commercial eighth brick DC-DC power converters.

To assist the power system design engineer, the EPC9102 demonstration board is oversized to allow connections for bench evaluation. There are various probe points to facilitate simple waveform measurements and efficiency calculation. The board is intended for bench evaluation with low ambient temperature and forced air cooling.

A Quick Start Guide, http://epc-co.com/epc/documents/guides/EPC9102_qsg.pdf, is included with the EPC9102 demo board for reference and ease of use.

Author: Srinivasa Reddy N