News: Microelectronics
12 September 2023
EPC launches 1kW 48V/12V LLC converter in 17.5mm x 22.8mm footprint
Efficient Power Conversion Corp (EPC) of El Segundo, CA, USA – which makes enhancement-mode gallium nitride on silicon (eGaN) power field-effect transistors (FETs) and integrated circuits for power management applications – has announced the availability of the EPC9159, a 48V/12V LLC converter designed for high-density 48V server power and DC-DC converters.
The reference design can deliver 1kW of power in a 17.5mm x 22.8mm footprint for a power density of 5130W/cm3. This is achieved by employing GaN power switches operating at high switching frequencies in both the primary and secondary circuits.
The power supply topology used in the design of the EPC9159 is based on the LLC topology. The implemented LLC consists of a primary-side full bridge, a fixed-ratio planar transformer, and a center-tab synchronous rectifier for the secondary side. The primary full bridge uses four EPC2619 80V-rated 3.3mΩ GaN transistors, and the secondary uses six EPC2067 40V-rated 1.3mΩ GaN transistors.
The EPC9159 achieves a power stage efficiency of 98% at 25A and a full-load efficiency of 96.2% at 83A into 12V. This design is suitable for high-density computing applications such as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced gaming.
“eGaN FETs and ICs provide the fast switching, small size and high efficiency needed to provide the highest-power-density solutions for advanced computing applications,” says CEO Alex Lidow. “The EPC9159 is the ideal solution to address the growing power needs of artificial intelligence and to support the transition to 48V input for the new high-density and high-efficiency servers required for these advanced computing applications.”
The EPC9159 evaluation board is priced at $787.80 each and is available for immediate delivery from distributor Digi-Key Electronics Corp.
