Efficient Power Conversion has expanded its portfolio of gallium nitride-based solutions with the introduction of a new family of 100 V integrated GaN power-stage ICs. The launch targets high-performance motion and power systems, including humanoid robots, drones, and compact battery-powered platforms.
The newly introduced devices—EPC23108, EPC23109, EPC23110, and EPC23111—are designed to deliver high efficiency and power density while simplifying system design. The development reflects increasing demand for compact, high-performance power architectures in emerging applications such as robotics and advanced automation.
Each device integrates both high-side and low-side enhancement-mode GaN (eGaN®) field-effect transistors (FETs), along with gate drivers and level-shifting circuitry, within a thermally enhanced QFN package. This level of integration reduces the need for external components and improves overall system efficiency. The ICs support operation up to 100 V, with load current capabilities of 35 A for EPC23108 and EPC23109, and 20 A for EPC23110 and EPC23111, enabling reliable high-frequency switching.
A key design feature is the simplified control interface. The devices include an active-low fast shutdown and standby input with an internal 65 kΩ pull-up resistor. This allows direct compatibility with standard industrial logic controllers, eliminating the need for additional signal conditioning and ensuring consistent performance across platforms.
Operational safety is enhanced through deterministic shutdown behavior. When standby is asserted, PWM switching stops immediately, and the driver enters a low quiescent current state from the VDRV supply. In the event of driver supply loss, an active gate pull-down mechanism ensures that both high-side and low-side FETs remain off, maintaining system control during fault conditions and improving overall reliability.
The devices also support continuous 100% duty-cycle operation, a critical requirement for applications involving full-torque motor drives and uninterrupted conduction modes. This capability enables designers to implement advanced control strategies without compromising system stability, particularly in motion control and robotics applications.
The family offers flexibility for different design requirements. EPC23109 and EPC23111 feature a single PWM input with integrated enable logic and fixed dead time, making them suitable for multi-axis systems where simplified control is preferred. In contrast, EPC23108 and EPC23110 provide dual PWM inputs, allowing designers to implement adaptive dead-time modulation for optimized switching performance.
According to Marco Palma, Director of Motor Drives Systems and Applications at EPC, the new integrated power stages are intended to simplify development in power-dense environments, such as robotic systems with multiple motors. He highlighted that humanoid robot arms may incorporate up to 24 motors, underscoring the need for compact and efficient power solutions.
Alex Lidow, Chief Executive Officer of EPC, noted that the new devices incorporate features based on feedback from customers in robotics and drone applications. He stated that the monolithic integration helps reduce design complexity, save space, and improve system reliability and performance.
The ePower™ Stage IC family is positioned to reduce component count, simplify firmware development, and deliver predictable system behavior. Target applications include robotics, motion control systems, medical equipment, DC-DC converters, synchronous rectification stages, and Class-D audio systems.
Engineering samples of the EPC23108/23109/23110/23111 family are currently available for qualified designs. The devices can be sourced through EPC’s global distribution channels and direct sales network, as well as through distribution partners such as Digi-Key and Mouser Electronics
