EPC GaN FET drives laser diodes in nanoseconds, achieving 75~231A pulse current

Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC) has launched three laser driver circuit boards that use AEC-Q101 qualified, fast-switching GaN FETs to enable high-performance lidar systems.

EPC has launched three evaluation boards, namely EPC9179, EPC9181 and EPC9180, which use 75 A, 125 A, 231 A pulsed current laser drivers and automotive grade AEC-Q101 certified EPC GaN FETs - EPC2252, EPC2204A and EPC2218A. It is 30% smaller and more cost-effective than previous generation gallium nitride devices. Designed for long- and short-range automotive LiDAR systems, these boards speed the evaluation of GaN-based solutions with selectable input and output values.

All evaluation boards have the same functionality and differ only in peak current and pulse width. These evaluation boards utilize a resonant discharge power stage with ground-referenced GaN FETs driven by the LMG020 gate driver. The ultrafast switching of GaN FETs rapidly discharges the charged capacitor through the stray inductance of the load, enabling peak discharge currents of tens to hundreds of amps in nanoseconds. These evaluation boards are designed to minimize power loops and common source inductance while allowing flexible mounting of laser diodes or alternative loads. For user ease of use, all evaluation boards feature an EPC9989 interposer PCB with various footprints to accommodate a variety of laser diodes or other loads. Customers can select the appropriate evaluation board for their GaN device-based solution.

The EPC9179/81/80 board operates with 3.3 V logic or differential logic signals such as LVDS. By simply changing the single-ended input value, the evaluation board can operate with input voltages as low as 2.5 V or 1.8 V. The design of automotive lidar systems is complex and finding reliable solutions can be challenging. These evaluation boards simplify the evaluation of powerful GaN-based lidar drivers that switch faster and achieve higher pulse currents than other semiconductor solutions. For technical details, EPC provides designers with complete schematics, bill of materials, layout documentation and a quick start guide on its website.

Alex Lidow, CEO and co-founder of EPC, said: “To meet the growing demand for automotive lidar systems, these cost-effective evaluation boards feature ultra-fast switching and are automotive-grade AEC certified. new gallium nitride devices, simplifying evaluation and shortening customers’ time to market.”

The EPC2252, EP2204A and EPC2218A GaN FETs are available in 1000-piece quantities at prices of $0.85, $1.37 and $2.71 per piece, respectively.

The unit prices of the evaluation boards EPC9179/EPC9181/EPC9180 are US$393.90, US$454.50 and US$424.20 respectively.

All evaluation boards and GaN FETs are available from Digi-Key and ship immediately.

Designers interested in replacing their silicon MOSFETs with GaN solutions can use EPC GaN Power Bench’s cross-reference tool to recommend suitable alternatives based on the specific operating conditions you require.