STMicroelectronics extends MasterGaN family

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STMicroelectronics has extended its MasterGaN platform with the unveiling of the MasterGaN2.

The device is the first in the new family to contain two asymmetric gallium-nitride (GaN) transistors, delivering an integrated solution that's suited to soft-switching and active-rectification converter topologies.

The 650V normally-off GaN transistors have on-resistance (RDS(on)) of 150mΩ and 225mΩ. Each is combined with an optimised gate driver, helping to simplify the use of GaN technology. By combining advanced integration with GaN’s inherent performance advantages, MasterGaN2 has been designed to further extend the efficiency gains, size reduction, and weight savings of topologies such as active clamp flyback.

The MasterGaN power system-in-package (SiP) family combines the two GaN High-Electron-Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) and associated high-voltage gate drivers in the same package with all necessary protection mechanisms built-in.

The designer is able to easily connect external devices including Hall sensors and a controller such as a DSP, FPGA, or microcontroller directly to the MasterGaN device. The inputs are compatible with logic signals from 3.3V to 15V, which helps simplify the circuit design and bill of materials, permits a smaller footprint, and streamlines assembly. This integration helps raise the power density of adapters and fast chargers.

GaN technology is driving the evolution toward fast USB-PD adapters and smartphone chargers and ST’s MasterGaN devices enable these to become up to 80% smaller and 70% lighter, while charging three times faster compared to ordinary silicon-based solutions.

The built-in protection comprises low-side and high-side under-voltage lockout (UVLO), gate-driver interlocks, a dedicated shutdown pin, and over-temperature protection. The 9mm x 9mm x 1mm GQFN package is optimised for high-voltage applications, having over 2mm creepage distance between high-voltage and low-voltage pads.