In a significant advancement for power technology, Power Integrations has introduced the 1700 V GaN InnoMux-2 IC, setting a new standard for gallium nitride-based solutions in the power industry. This innovation, announced by the NASDAQ-listed leader in high-voltage ICs, leverages Power Integrations’ proprietary PowiGaN™ technology and FluxLink™ digital isolation communications for improved power conversion efficiency and accuracy.
The launch marks the industry’s first 1700 V gallium nitride switch, surpassing previous records held by Power Integrations’ own 900 V and 1250 V GaN devices released earlier in 2023. The new IC promises over 90 percent efficiency, regulated multi-output capability, and replaces costlier silicon carbide transistors in high-demand applications such as solar inverters, automotive chargers, and industrial power systems.
A New Benchmark in GaN Power Conversion
Power Integrations’ InnoMux-2 IC comes equipped with a 1700 V GaN switch, achieving a breakthrough in voltage capability. The device operates efficiently from a 1000 VDC nominal input in a flyback configuration, making it ideal for complex, multi-output systems requiring one, two, or three supply voltages. Notably, each output maintains regulation within a one percent margin, thus eliminating the need for additional post-regulation, a move that enhances system efficiency by around ten percent.
Radu Barsan, Power Integrations’ vice president of technology, highlighted the rapid advancements in GaN technology achieved by the company. “Our GaN development has reached unprecedented voltage ratings—900 V, 1250 V, and now 1700 V—all within two years,” said Barsan. The new IC combines high-voltage GaN with other recent innovations, including zero-voltage switching without an active clamp, effectively reducing switching losses.
According to Ezgi Dogmus, compound semiconductor expert at Yole Group, “Power Integrations’ 1700 V GaN HEMT is groundbreaking, and it raises the bar significantly. The Power GaN market is on track to hit $2 billion by 2030, with GaN potentially outperforming SiC in cost-sensitive applications.”
Key Features Powering the InnoMux-2 IC’s High Efficiency
Power Integrations’ latest GaN IC integrates several proprietary technologies, enhancing its capability and efficiency. FluxLink™, the company’s secondary-side regulation technology, enables accurate multi-output power supplies by providing precise control without the need for a direct electrical connection. This technology, combined with PowiGaN™’s GaN-based switch, allows the IC to maintain a zero-voltage switching (ZVS) process without additional circuitry, minimizing energy losses commonly associated with high-voltage switching.
The IC’s specs position it as a cost-effective alternative to silicon carbide (SiC) transistors in various applications:
- Automotive Charging Solutions: The IC’s ability to efficiently convert power from a high-voltage bus meets the rigorous demands of automotive charging infrastructures.
- Solar Inverters: High-efficiency GaN switching at 1700 V improves energy capture and reduces costs in solar power systems.
- Industrial Power Systems: The IC’s multi-output capability suits industrial environments where robust, independently regulated power is essential.
The versatility of the InnoMux-2 IC makes it a game-changer across applications that prioritize both high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Availability and Market Positioning
The InnoMux-2 IC is now available for purchase at $4.90 per unit in bulk orders of 10,000 units. Power Integrations has also released a reference design, the RDR-1053, which provides guidelines for a 60 W dual-output power supply. This design and other resources are available on Power Integrations’ website, supporting faster implementation and evaluation for interested customers.
With this new addition to the GaN product lineup, Power Integrations reinforces its standing in the high-voltage power conversion sector. Through distribution channels like DigiKey, Newark, Mouser, and RS Components, the InnoMux-2 IC is accessible globally, ensuring prompt availability for developers and manufacturers.
Driving Sustainability in the Clean-Power Ecosystem
As Power Integrations continues to develop high-voltage, energy-efficient semiconductor technologies, its products are increasingly seen as critical components in clean-energy applications. By focusing on GaN-based innovations, Power Integrations addresses the industry’s call for more efficient, high-performance alternatives to traditional SiC-based solutions.
The InnoMux-2 IC is more than a step forward in GaN technology; it’s a part of a larger movement toward sustainability. With applications spanning from renewable energy generation to automotive and industrial sectors, Power Integrations positions itself as a leader not only in technology but in shaping a cleaner, more efficient future.
