STMicroelectronics launches MasterGaN7 power devices for higher efficiency

STMicroelectronics has added MasterGaN7 to its integrated power family, bringing 650V GaN transistors, LDO-stabilized gate driving and pin-driven shutdown to applications such as chargers, lighting and solar microinverters. The new devices are in production now and are designed to improve power density while reducing footprint and component count.

Why it matters: - MasterGaN7 targets higher-efficiency power designs where smaller size, lower bill of materials and better thermal performance matter. - The devices are aimed at fast-growing applications including power adapters, consumer chargers, industrial lighting equipment and solar microinverters. - STMicroelectronics is positioning the new parts to help designers push switching frequency and power density without adding complexity.

What happened: - STMicroelectronics extended its MasterGaN integrated transistor/driver family with MasterGaN7 devices. - The new series combines 650V enhancement-mode GaN transistors with a 6A maximum current rating. - MasterGaN7 is in production now in a 9mm x 9mm QFN package. - Pricing starts at $3.83 for orders of 1,000 pieces.

The details: - MasterGaN7 connects two 650V GaN transistors in a half-bridge configuration with a high-voltage, high-frequency gate driver. - The package shares its pinout and footprint with other MasterGaN devices. - Low drop-out regulators stabilize the gate-drive voltage to improve switching performance. - The devices include pin-driven shutdown with ultra-fast wakeup to cut no-load power consumption. - MasterGaN7 has a propagation delay of 45ns, ultra-fast wake-up time and short minimum on-time. - The parts can operate at switching frequencies up to 2MHz. - An integrated bootstrap diode supplies the high-side driver. - The devices work from -40°C to 125°C. - The EVLMG7 evaluation board is available now in the STMicroelectronics eSTore. - More information is available in the company’s announcement.

Between the lines: - MasterGaN7 keeps the same footprint as other MasterGaN parts, which should make it easier for designers to upgrade existing platforms. - Higher switching frequency can reduce the size of magnetic and passive components, which can lower board space and system cost. - The integrated protection features, including interlocking to prevent cross-conduction, undervoltage lock-out and thermal shutdown, reduce external design burden.

What's next: - Designers can use the EVLMG7 board to start hardware development immediately. - The product line is set up for multiple converter topologies, including active clamp flyback, asymmetrical half bridge, inverse buck, resonant LLC, PFC and DC-to-AC inverter designs. - STMicroelectronics is likely to use MasterGaN7 to expand adoption of its integrated GaN platform across power-conversion markets.