Compact 180 W GaN Buck Converter for USB-PD

Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) has introduced the EPC91109 evaluation board, designed to highlight the advantages of GaN technology in compact, high-efficiency USB Power Delivery (USB-PD 3.1) applications up to 180 W. By utilizing EPC’s 50 V GaN FETs in conjunction with a dual-phase buck controller from Analog Devices, the reference design offers performance that challenges conventional silicon-based power stages.

For developers working on power electronics for portable devices, laptops, and space-constrained industrial or automotive systems, the EPC91109 could be a valuable tool. If your projects demand high efficiency, thermal simplicity, and tight layouts, exploring this new evaluation board may be beneficial.

High Power Density Without the Thermal Burden

The EPC91109 evaluation board integrates four EPC2057 50 V-rated enhancement-mode GaN FETs with Analog Devices’s LTC7890 controller. Supporting input voltages between 20 V and 36 V, it can deliver up to 180 W (12 V at 14.3 A) in two-phase interleaved mode, fully compliant with the USB-PD 3.1 specification.

Remarkably, despite its power output, the EPC91109 does not require heatsinks or forced air cooling. Alex Lidow, CEO of EPC, highlighted this feature, stating, “The EPC91109 demonstrates GaN’s power density and efficiency for USB PD. It’s a compact, robust platform that operates without the need for heatsinks or airflow, even at full power.”

The compact power stage, measuring 24 mm × 24 mm and utilizing a low-profile 3 mm inductor, is well-suited for applications with limited board space and z-height. Additionally, the board offers configurability, supporting single- or two-phase operation and enabling users to fine-tune light-load modes and dead-time settings for further optimization.

Efficiency and Cost Positioning

Under standard operating conditions, EPC reports a peak efficiency of over 98%. This, combined with impressive thermal performance and integration, provides system designers with a smaller, cooler, and faster alternative to traditional silicon solutions.

Priced at $317.09, the EPC91109 evaluation board is available for purchase. The EPC2057 GaN FET used in the design can be obtained for $0.657 each in 2.5Ku reels. Both the board and the devices are currently in stock and can be acquired through Digi-Key.