System Integration Benefits in GaN Power IC

Abstract:
System partitioning is a key choice when it comes to deploying innovative solutions and overcoming technical and cost challenges in new system architectures. For years, GaN technology has been waiting to be widely adopted because of its specific technical requirements to drive the gate of the power FET in an optimal way and the cost associated to build a reliable scheme of drives and protections around the power stage that by itself is, in many cases, offering far superior performance if compared with a similar Silicon solution. Integration of the power stage, drive, protection, logic and supply solutions in a monolithic GaN die overcomes those roadblocks and enables the implementation of high frequency (MHZ) off-line power supplies with a superior class of performance, low cost and improved reliability. This paper will illustrate GaN power IC state of the art, integration capability and the benefits it brings in system efficiency and power density with a special focus on off-line voltage rated power ICs for AC/DC power converter applications.