GaN converters integrate control and switching for compact design

STMicroelectronics is introducing a series of GaN flyback converters that simplify designing and building compact, efficient USB-PD chargers, fast battery chargers, and auxiliary power supplies. The converters handle reduced loads with a proprietary technique that ensures power supplies and chargers always operate soundlessly for a superior user experience.

Beginning with the VIPerGaN50W, which contains a 700V GaN power transistor, the new converters also integrate the flyback controller and optimized gate driver in a compact power package. The integrated gate driver saves fine-tuning the gate resistance and inductance, helping accelerate time to market, in addition to increasing power density and minimizing the bill of materials.

The 50W flyback controller operates in quasi-resonant mode with zero-voltage switching (ZVS) up to the full load. Frequency foldback at light load and valley skipping at mid-to-high load limit the switching frequency for optimal efficiency. In valley skipping, ST’s proprietary valley lock stabilizes the number of valleys skipped to prevent variations at audio frequencies and thus ensure silent operation across the load range. At no-load, the converter operates in burst mode, cutting power consumption below 30mW to help meet stringent eco-design regulations.

Advanced power-management features ensure the output-power capability and switching frequency remain stable, even when the supply voltage changes. These include line-voltage feedforward to prevent excessive output power, which lets designers avoid over-specifying power supply components, and dynamic blanking time that minimizes switching losses by limiting the frequency. There is also input and output overvoltage protection, thermal shutdown, and brown-in and brown-out protection.

The EVLVIPGAN50WF evaluation board, available now, accelerates converter development with the VIPerGaN50W by implementing a 15V/50W isolated flyback converter with secondary-side synchronous rectification. Developed for general-purpose applications operating from 90 to 265 VAC, the converter exercises VIPerGaN50W features, including its embedded senseFET and high-voltage startup circuitry.

The VIPerGaN50W is in production, in a 5mm x 6mm Power QFN (PQFN) package, and available at the eSTore and distributors for $1.09 for orders of 1000 pieces.