BMS Utilizes 100V Bi-Directional GaN Technology

Chinese power chip maker Innoscience Technology has introduced a cutting-edge battery management system (BMS) design utilizing 100V bidirectional gallium nitride (GaN) technology. This innovative approach aims to enhance battery safety and efficiency, offering improved power density and thermal performance in BMS designs.

By leveraging GaN technology, the new BMS designs provide higher efficiency and enhanced battery protection systems compared to traditional methods. The absence of a parasitic body diode and bidirectional control allows a single bi-directional GaN device to effectively replace two conventional MOS Silicon pairs in various applications, such as Over Voltage Protection (OVP) and industrial BMS under 100V.

The VGaN technology employed in these designs supports two-way pass-through, two-way cut-off, and no-reverse-recovery modes of operation. Additionally, it boasts a low gate charge of 90nC, contributing to improved overall system performance and reliability.

A notable example of the technology's application is a 48V/180A BMS demonstrator featuring the INV100FQ030A 100V VGaN device. This compact device, packaged in a 4mm x 6mm2 FCQFN, offers a maximum on-resistance of 3.2mΩ, showcasing the efficiency and versatility of GaN technology in real-world scenarios.

The 16-string charging and discharging battery protection system, enabled by the controllable bidirectional conduction and cut-off features of VGaN, facilitates four operational states: normal charging and discharging, charging protection, discharging protection, and sleep mode. This advanced system eliminates the need for a heat sink, ensuring optimal battery performance and safety for various applications like home batteries, portable charging stations, e-scooters, and e-bikes.

Dr. Denis Marcon, General Manager of Innoscience Europe, highlighted the benefits of this technology, stating, “With just 16 VGaNs, we can replace 18 pairs of Silicon MOSFETs, significantly reducing both the board area and system loop impedance. This optimization not only enhances performance and reduces system size but also drives down the overall system cost, making it a more efficient and cost-effective solution for battery protection systems.”