TI Unveils Groundbreaking GaN Intelligent Power Module

Texas Instruments has introduced a groundbreaking intelligent power module (IPM) utilizing custom gallium nitride (GaN) devices, marking a significant milestone in the industry. The new DRV7308 GaN IPM is specifically designed for 250W motor drives commonly found in applications like air conditioning and refrigeration systems. By incorporating custom GaN switches, the IPM achieves higher efficiency levels, allowing for the elimination of heatsinks and a reduction in footprint compared to traditional modules.

According to Dung Dang, an application engineer at TI, "This is the industry's first three-phase IPM with integrated GaN technology for 250W motor drives, boasting an impressive 99% efficiency." The DRV7308 IPM sets itself apart with its minimal dead time and propagation delay, both under 200ns, resulting in enhanced switching performance that reduces noise and vibration while eliminating the need for bulky heatsinks and shrinking the board size by 55%.

While TI has a history of leveraging GaN technology, the 650V GaN devices used in the DRV7308 have been meticulously designed from the ground up and optimized in conjunction with the gate drivers for superior motor control. Operating at 15kHz switching frequency, the IPM achieves remarkable efficiencies of 98.5% at 100W and 99% at 250W even without a heatsink, surpassing the performance of traditional IGBT designs.

"Our samples demonstrate the capability to operate at frequencies as high as 50 to 60kHz, further enhancing system efficiency," Dang explained, highlighting the potential for even greater energy savings at the system level.

The introduction of the MCU agnostic BLDC IC family, spearheaded by the DRV7308, comes at a time when global efficiency standards for appliances and HVAC systems are becoming increasingly stringent. By leveraging GaN technology, the DRV7308 enables engineers to achieve over 99% efficiency, significantly reducing power losses by 50% compared to existing solutions and enhancing overall thermal performance.

Moreover, the IPM incorporates short circuit protection for each FET, enhancing motor reliability and reducing audible noise levels. Dang emphasized, "The motor's lifespan is directly impacted by its efficiency, making this innovation crucial for extending operational longevity."

Giovanni Campanella from TI expressed the company's excitement about venturing into this new market segment, stating, "TI recognizes the potential to expand beyond traditional GaN solutions into IPMs that offer unprecedented efficiency levels." TI has already developed a compact reference design, resembling a business card and devoid of a heatsink, showcasing the simplicity of the MCU combined with the IPM.

For those interested, pre-production quantities of the DRV7308 three-phase, 650V integrated GaN IPM are currently available for purchase on TI.com, with pricing starting at US$5.50 for 1,000-unit quantities. Additionally, the DRV7308EVM evaluation module can be acquired for US$250, providing a hands-on experience with this cutting-edge technology.

For more information, visit ti.com/DRV7308.