First 600V GaN transistor available in a TO-247 package

Engineering samples of the first 600V GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistor in a TO-247 package, the TPH3205WS, are being offered by Transphorm. Offering 63mohm R(on) and 34A ratings, the device utilizes the company’s Quiet Tab source-tab connection design, which reduces EMI at high dv/dt to enable low switching loss and high-speed operation in power supply and inverter applications. This new device extends Transphorm’s EZ-GaN product portfolio to now support PV inverter designs with power levels ranging from a few 100W (micro-inverters) to several kilowatts (residential central inverters). The new TPH3205WS results in ultra-high-efficiency power conversion circuits. To date, demonstrations have featured a 2.4kW, bridgeless totem-pole PFC exhibiting near 99% PFC efficiency at 100kHz operation. The totem-pole PFC, when combined with a GaN-based DC-DC conversion stage, enables a greatly simplified 80 PLUS titanium power supply design providing power densities unachievable with Si-based designs. The TPH3205WS’s superior dynamic R(on) performance has also been highlighted. In 2009, Transphorm was the first company to overcome and demonstrate reliable and stable on resistance across the full range of switching voltages from DC to 400V. This newest device continues the company’s achievement in this area with an R(on) increase under switching of only 5% at 400V, compared to other competitively rated devices with an almost 90% increase. Additionally, a static demo of the TPH3205WS used in a 3kW inverter has shown test results at 100kHz and a peak efficiency of 98.8%, and over 99% at 50kHz. Over the last several years, GaN semiconductors have emerged as a leading technology enabler for the next wave of compact, energy-efficient power conversion systems - ranging from ultra-small adapters, high-power-density PCs, server and telecom power supplies, to highly efficient PV inverters and motion control systems. “Transphorm’s increased market footprint with this new higher-current GaN product, along with its access to high-quality, high-scale foundry manufacturing, enables us to meet growing demand from global customers,” said Primit Parikh, Transphorm’s president and co-founder. Engineering samples of the TPH3205WS are available now from stock and production release is scheduled at the end of June, says the company. Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC), Charlotte, North Carolina, March 16-18, Booth 1317.