Next-Generation Integrated GaN Power Stages Deliver Higher Efficiency, Simplified Design, and Enhanced Reliability for Robotics, Drones, and High-Performance Motor Systems
Efficient Power Conversion (EPC), widely recognized for its leadership in enhancement-mode gallium nitride (eGaN®) power devices, has unveiled a new generation of 100 V integrated GaN power-stage ICs designed to meet the growing demands of high-performance, compact, and energy-efficient electronic systems. The newly introduced family—EPC23108, EPC23109, EPC23110, and EPC23111—represents a significant advancement in power electronics integration, targeting applications such as humanoid robotics, drones, and other battery-powered platforms that require high power density and reliable operation in constrained environments.
As industries increasingly shift toward electrification and intelligent automation, the demand for compact, efficient, and thermally optimized power solutions has grown substantially. EPC’s latest offering addresses these requirements by combining multiple essential components into a single, integrated package. Each device incorporates both high-side and low-side eGaN FETs, along with the necessary gate driver and level-shifting circuitry. This high level of integration is housed within a thermally enhanced QFN package, enabling superior heat dissipation and operational stability even under demanding conditions.
The new power-stage ICs support operation up to 100 V and deliver substantial current-handling capabilities. Specifically, the EPC23108 and EPC23109 models are capable of handling load currents up to 35 A, while the EPC23110 and EPC23111 support up to 20 A. This range of current options provides flexibility for engineers designing systems across a spectrum of power requirements, from lightweight drone propulsion systems to complex multi-axis robotic assemblies. The devices are optimized for high-frequency switching, a key advantage of GaN technology, which enables reduced switching losses and improved overall system efficiency compared to traditional silicon-based solutions.
A major focus of this new product family is simplifying system design while maintaining robust and predictable performance. The control interface has been engineered to align with industrial logic standards, featuring an active-low fast shutdown and standby input with an integrated 65 kΩ pull-up resistor. This design choice allows seamless compatibility with standard controllers, eliminating the need for additional signal conditioning circuitry. As a result, system designers can reduce component count, streamline board layouts, and accelerate development timelines while ensuring consistent behavior across different platforms.
Safety and reliability are also central to the design philosophy of these devices. The ICs incorporate deterministic shutdown behavior, which is critical in applications where fault conditions must be managed instantly to prevent damage or unsafe operation. When the standby input is activated, pulse-width modulation (PWM) switching ceases immediately, and the driver transitions into a low quiescent current state powered by the VDRV supply. Furthermore, in scenarios where the driver supply is interrupted, an active gate pull-down mechanism ensures that both the high-side and low-side transistors remain in the off state. This fail-safe feature enhances system integrity and provides an additional layer of protection in mission-critical applications.
Another notable capability of the new GaN power stages is their support for continuous 100% duty-cycle operation. This feature is particularly important in motion control systems, where uninterrupted conduction is required to achieve full torque and maintain precise control. By enabling continuous operation without modulation constraints, the devices allow engineers to implement advanced control strategies without compromising performance or efficiency. This is especially valuable in robotics and precision automation, where smooth and consistent operation is essential.
The product family also offers flexibility in control configurations to accommodate different design architectures. The EPC23109 and EPC23111 models feature a single-pin PWM input with integrated enable logic and fixed dead-time control, simplifying implementation in multi-axis systems where synchronization and ease of use are priorities. In contrast, the EPC23108 and EPC23110 provide dual PWM inputs, enabling more advanced control schemes such as adaptive dead-time modulation. This flexibility allows designers to tailor their approach based on system complexity, performance requirements, and optimization goals.
By integrating multiple functions into a single device, EPC’s ePower™ Stage ICs significantly reduce the need for external components. This not only minimizes board space but also simplifies firmware development and enhances predictability at the system level. Fewer discrete components translate to lower assembly complexity, improved reliability, and reduced risk of design inconsistencies. These benefits are particularly valuable in high-volume manufacturing environments, where consistency and cost efficiency are critical.
The applications for these integrated GaN power stages are broad and span several high-growth technology sectors. In robotics, for instance, the devices are well suited for powering multi-axis motor systems found in humanoid robot arms, which can contain dozens of individual motors. Their high efficiency and compact form factor make them ideal for drone propulsion systems, where weight and energy consumption directly impact flight time and performance. Additionally, the ICs are applicable in medical equipment, where reliability and precision are paramount, as well as in DC-DC converters and Class-D audio systems, which benefit from high-frequency switching and reduced power loss.
Industry leaders at EPC have emphasized the practical advantages of the new product line. According to Marco Palma, Director of Motor Drives Systems and Applications, the integrated power stages provide a simplified design block for power-dense systems, particularly in complex robotic configurations. He highlighted the importance of reducing design complexity in applications such as humanoid robots, where multiple motors must operate in coordination within a limited space.
Alex Lidow, CEO of EPC, further აღნიშნა that the development of this new family was guided by direct feedback from customers working on advanced robotics and drone platforms. By addressing real-world design challenges, EPC has delivered a solution that not only improves performance but also reduces development time, system cost, and overall design effort. The integration of additional features based on customer input underscores EPC’s commitment to innovation driven by practical application needs.
From a market perspective, the introduction of these devices aligns with broader trends in the electronics and semiconductor industries. The transition from silicon to GaN technology is accelerating, driven by the need for higher efficiency, smaller form factors, and improved thermal performance. As applications such as electric mobility, industrial automation, and consumer electronics continue to evolve, integrated GaN solutions are expected to play a pivotal role in enabling next-generation system architectures.
Engineering samples of the EPC23108, EPC23109, EPC23110, and EPC23111 are currently available for qualified customers, allowing designers to evaluate and integrate the devices into their development projects. The products can be ordered through EPC’s global distribution network as well as through direct sales channels, ensuring accessibility for customers worldwide. This availability supports rapid prototyping and scalability, enabling companies to bring innovative products to market more quickly.
In conclusion, EPC’s new generation of 100 V integrated GaN power-stage ICs represents a significant step forward in power electronics design. By combining high performance, advanced safety features, and a high level of integration, these devices address the critical needs of modern electronic systems. Whether in robotics, drones, medical devices, or power conversion applications, the new ePower™ Stage ICs offer a compelling solution for engineers seeking to optimize efficiency, reliability, and design simplicity in increasingly complex and demanding environments.
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