Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC) has introduced the EPC91120, a compact three-phase brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive inverter designed for integration within humanoid robot joints. The inverter uses EPC’s EPC23102 ePower Stage IC to provide high-efficiency, high-density motion control within a 32 mm-diameter footprint, enabling direct installation inside robotic motor housings.
The EPC91120 integrates three EPC23102 gallium nitride (GaN) half-bridge ICs, along with an onboard microcontroller, current and voltage sensing, magnetic encoder interface, and RS485 communication. It operates from 15 V to 55 V DC and supports up to 21 A peak (15 ARMS continuous) and 42 A peak (30 ARMS pulsed) per phase. With a switching frequency of 100 kHz and a 50 ns dead time, the design enables precise torque control and fast response for robotics and other high-performance motion systems.
Under natural convection at 26°C ambient, the inverter can deliver 7 ARMS per phase without a heatsink, and up to 15 ARMS when mounted within a motor casing for heat dissipation. Testing has shown overall system efficiencies exceeding 80% from DC input to mechanical output, validating the design for use in high-torque, low-mass robotic joints.
The EPC91120 serves as an evaluation platform for developers seeking to integrate high-density GaN-based inverters into advanced motion applications. Its design aligns mechanically with the Unitree A1 humanoid robot motor, providing a ready-to-evaluate solution for embedded joint actuation.
Reference design boards are priced at $394.02, and the EPC23102 ICs are available at $4.80 each in quantities of 3,000. Both products are available for immediate delivery through Digi-Key. Detailed schematics and technical data are provided on the EPC91120 product page.
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