Advanced GaN Technology and Integration
Both converters integrate a 700V GaN (Gallium Nitride) power transistor, contributing to robust and reliable performance. An extremely low on-resistance (RDS(on)) of 0.27mΩ helps achieve high thermal performance. Supplied in a compact QFN package (5 x 6mm), these devices integrate a flyback converter and a GaN gate driver, eliminating the need for fine-tuning gate resistance or inductance to optimize switching performance. By leveraging the high switching frequency of the GaN power transistor, circuit designers can utilize smaller passive components, leading to superior energy efficiency and high power density.
To demonstrate this capability, STMicroelectronics developed the EVLVIPGAN100WP reference design, a 100W USB Type-C Power Delivery 3.0 adapter featuring the VIPerGaN100W. This reference design supports five output settings from 5V/3.0A to 20V/5.0A, incorporates secondary-side regulated power and optocoupler feedback, and achieves over 92% peak efficiency with a power density of 24W/in³.
Flexible Power Management and Protection Features
Both the VIPerGaN100W and VIPerGaN100WB incorporate a flyback converter that operates in quasi-resonant mode with zero-voltage switching. Flexible power management ensures high-efficiency operation across the entire load range, including frequency foldback at light loads and valley-skipping at medium loads. In valley-skipping mode, STMicroelectronics’ unique valley-locking feature stabilizes the number of skipped valleys, preventing fluctuations at audio frequencies and ensuring quiet operation across the load range. In no-load conditions, the devices operate in burst mode, reducing power consumption to less than 30mW.
Additionally, line voltage feed-forward control enhances the accuracy of energy control per cycle, stabilizing power even with fluctuating input voltages. Dynamic blanking time adjustment limits switching frequency variations and minimizes switching losses. Both products include comprehensive protection features, such as input/output over-voltage protection, over-temperature protection, and brown-in/brown-out protection that recovers from under-voltage conditions.
Availability
The VIPerGaN100W and VIPerGaN100WB, expanding STMicroelectronics’ family of highly integrated VIPerGaN converters, are currently in full production. They are available from STMicroelectronics’ eStore or authorized distributors, with a unit price of approximately $1.25 for orders of 1,000 units.
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