GaN Transistors: Redefining Power Conversion with Cambridge GaN Devices

In this video, Andrea Bicconi, the Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD), discusses the potential of Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors in revolutionizing power conversion and their benefits over traditional silicon-based power converters.

Key Points:

1. GaN Transistors: GaN transistors have intrinsic features that make them highly relevant for power conversion. They offer better gate charges than silicon and silicon carbide, enabling higher efficiency at higher frequencies. This leads to smaller power converters or more power output for the same volume, thus increasing power density.

2. Efficiency and Power Density: GaN transistors greatly reduce switching losses due to their lower charge stored in the output capacitance. They also don't have any minority carriers, eliminating reverse recovery charges during hard commutation. This enables the use of new, simpler topologies with fewer power components.

3. Environmental Impact: The adoption of GaN in data centres could save more than 12 Tera watt-hour of electricity per year, equivalent to 9 million metric tons of CO2 saved. This would also result in significant cost savings in electricity bills.

4. IC GaN Technology: CGD has developed IC GaN technology, integrating logical functions into the power GaN chip but not the full gate driver. This allows customers to use any gate driver they're used to, simplifying the driving circuit. The IC GaN can be driven like a MOSFET without the need for any additional circuitry.

5. Ease of Use and Performance: CGD's IC GaN technology requires fewer components to operate with a standard driver, making it easier to use. It also offers excellent performance, with efficiencies reaching up to 99% at full load for high line.

6. Product Range: CGD has released several products with IC GaN technology, ranging from 55 milliohms to 200 milliohms at room temperature. They plan to release more products, especially for high-power applications like data centres and automotive.

7. Support and Resources: CGD provides a variety of resources to support customers, including application notes, evaluation boards, and reference designs. They also plan to add more technical material in the coming weeks and months.

Company Website: Cambridge GaN Devices