Transphorm, Inc., a global provider of GaN power semiconductors, announced two new reference designs for electric vehicle (EV) charging applications. The 300 and 600 W Constant Current/Constant Voltage (CC/CV) battery chargers use the company’s 70 and 150 milliohm SuperGaN devices to deliver highly efficient AC-to-DC power conversion with high power density at competitive costs.
The reference designs are intended to enable high-volume production of chargers for 2 and 3-wheel EVs, of which over 14 million are sold in India and over 45 million are sold in China, annually. The reference designs can also be used for a variety of applications including fast charging, LED dimmable drivers, and other devices.
“GaN’s adoption in the EV market is rapidly advancing,” said Tushar Dhayagude, VP of Worldwide Sales and FAE, Transphorm. “This is largely driven by the technology’s high-power density with cost-effective, high-yield manufacturing process when compared to alternative options.”
What is CC/CV?
The Constant Current/Constant Voltage (CC/CV) lithium-ion battery charging method uses constant current in the initial stage of charging and then switches to constant voltage in later stages of charging when the battery reaches the set charge level. This ensures batteries are not overcharged.
Open-frame CC/CV AC-to-DC battery chargers
The 300 and 600 W reference designs pair the SuperGaN FETs and controllers in the popular power factor correction (PFC) and resonant LLC topologies, with the LLC being specifically designed for a wide battery range (from empty to full charge).
Transphorm’s SuperGaN platform enables power system developers to maximize the PFC+LLC’s performance potential, delivering the highest efficiency possible from these topologies at a competitive cost.
The reference designs use pure analog controllers versus digital controllers that require firmware. This configuration offers several benefits such as easier designability and simplified product development driven by:
- Reduced development resource requirements.
- Reduced development time.
- Elimination of the need for potentially complex firmware programming/maintenance.
The reference designs leverage Transphorm’s SuperGaN FETs known for delivering differentiating advantages, such as:
- Top reliability with a +/- 20 V gate threshold and a 4 V noise immunity.
- Easier design, reducing the amount of circuitry required around the device.
- Easier drivability as FETs can pair with well-known, off-the shelf drivers common to silicon devices.
Reference design access
The complete 300 and 600 W CC/CV battery charger reference designs are currently available from Transphorm.
Visit the following links to download technical documentation, design files, firmware, and bill of materials:
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News