News: Microelectronics
24 June 2025
EPC releases compact, high-efficiency 180W GaN buck converter evaluation board for USB PD applications
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 released the EPC91109, a high-performance evaluation board designed to demonstrate the benefits of eGaN FETs in a compact, thermally efficient, two-phase synchronous buck converter. Targeting USB Power Delivery (USB-PD 3.1) applications up to 180W, the EPC91109 is optimized for space- and power-constrained designs such as laptops, portable devices, and battery-powered systems.
The EPC91109 combines four 50V-rated EPC2057 GaN FETs with the Analog Devices LTC7890 dual-phase buck controller to deliver output voltages of 12V, 16V or 20V from an input range of 20V to 36V. In two-phase interleaved mode, it supports output currents up to 14.3A — matching the full 180W USB-PD power envelope at 12V output from a 36V source.
“The EPC91109 shows GaN’s power density and efficiency for USB PD,” says CEO Alex Lidow. “It’s a compact, robust platform that needs no heatsink or airflow — even at full power.”
Key features of the EPC91109 evaluation board include:
- configurable to operate in either two-phase or single phase, dual-output mode;
- ultra-compact 24mm x 24mm power stage;
- low-profile inductor of 3mm height;
- no heatsink or forced air-cooling required;
- configurable light-load modes and dead-time settings;
- peak efficiency >98% under standard operating conditions.
The EPC91109 demonstrates how EPC’s latest-generation GaN FETs and advanced controllers from Analog Devices can be combined to produce smaller, faster, cooler converters that outperform silicon-based alternatives.
The EPC91109 reference design boards are priced at $317.09. The EPC2057 is priced at $0.657 each in 2.5Ku reels.
Reference design boards and devices are available for immediate delivery from distributor Digi-Key Corp.
