Summary of GAN IS AS EASY TO USE AS SILICON: EPC INTRODUCES A 48 V TO 12 V DEMO BOARD
EPC released the EPC9157, a 300 W DC-DC demo board in a 1/16th brick form factor (33 mm x 22.9 mm x 9 mm). It combines Renesas ISL81806 80 V dual synchronous buck controller with EPC2218 100 V eGaN FETs to deliver >95% efficiency converting 48 V to 12 V at 25 A. Targeted at data center, computing, telecom, and automotive applications, the design emphasizes high power density, fast switching, and low component count with integrated GaN drivers and protections.
Parts used in the EPC9157:
- EPC9157 demo board (300 W 1/16th brick)
- Renesas ISL81806 80 V dual synchronous buck controller
- EPC2218 100 V eGaN FETs
- 48 V input and 12 V regulated output power stage components (on-board)
- Synchronization and current-sharing interface components (on-board)
- Protection circuitry for input UVLO, over current, over voltage, and over temperature (on-board)
EPC announces the availability of the EPC9157, a 300 W DC-DC demo board in the tiny 1/16th brick size, measuring just 33 mm x 22.9 mm x 9mm (1.3 x 0.9 x 0.35 in). The EPC9157 demo board integrates the Renesas ISL81806 80 V dual synchronous buck controller with the latest-generation EPC2218 eGaN FETs from EPC to achieve greater than 95% efficiency for 48 V input to 12 V regulated output conversion at 25 A.
Brick DC-DC converters are widely used in data center, computing, telecommunication and automotive applications, converting a nominal 48 V to a nominal 12 V distribution bus, among other output voltages. The main trend has been towards higher power density. eGaN® FETs provide the fast switching, high efficiency and small size that can meet the stringent power density requirements of these leading-edge applications. EPC2218 is the smallest high efficiency 100 V eGAN FET on the market.
Renesas’ ISL81806 is the industry’s first 80V dual-output or two-phase synchronous buck controller with integrated GaN drivers, supporting switching frequencies up to 2 MHz. It uses peak current mode control and generates two independent outputs, or one output with two interleaved phases. It supports current sharing, synchronization for paralleling more controllers and/or more phases, enhanced light load efficiency, and low shutdown current. Protection features include input UVLO, over current, over voltage and over temperature. The ISL81806 can directly drive EPC GaN FETs, ensuring easy design, low component count and low solution cost. The highly integrated ISL81806 reduces BOM cost for GaN solutions because it does not require any microcontroller, current sense amplifiers, or housekeeping power.
Read more: GAN IS AS EASY TO USE AS SILICON: EPC INTRODUCES A 48 V TO 12 V DEMO BOARD
- What is the power rating of the EPC9157?
The EPC9157 is a 300 W DC-DC demo board. - What are the physical dimensions of the EPC9157?
The board measures 33 mm x 22.9 mm x 9 mm (1.3 x 0.9 x 0.35 in). - What components are integrated to achieve high efficiency?
It integrates the Renesas ISL81806 controller with EPC2218 eGaN FETs to achieve greater than 95% efficiency. - What input and output voltages does the EPC9157 target?
It targets conversion from 48 V input to a 12 V regulated output at 25 A. - What features does the ISL81806 provide?
The ISL81806 is an 80 V dual-output or two-phase synchronous buck controller with integrated GaN drivers, peak current mode control, synchronization, current sharing, enhanced light load efficiency, and protection features. - Why are eGaN FETs used in this design?
eGaN FETs provide fast switching, high efficiency, and small size to meet high power density requirements. - What applications is the EPC9157 aimed at?
It is aimed at data center, computing, telecommunication, and automotive applications. - Does the ISL81806 reduce component count and BOM cost?
Yes, because it includes integrated GaN drivers and does not require a microcontroller, current sense amplifiers, or housekeeping power.
