STMicroelectronics' new VIPerGaN50 simplifies construction of single-switch flyback converters up to 50 Watts and integrates a 650V gallium nitride (GaN) power transistor for superior power efficiency and miniaturization.
With its single-switch topology, high integration, current sensing and integrated protection circuits, the VIPerGaN50 comes in a compact, low-cost 5 x 6 mm package.
The speed of the integrated GaN transistor allows for high switching frequency, with a small and lightweight flyback transformer. Minimal additional external components are required to design an advanced, high-efficiency switched-mode power supply (SMPS).
The VIPerGaN50 helps designers leverage broadband GaN technology to meet increasingly stringent green design codes aimed at global energy savings and net-zero carbon emissions. It is suitable for consumer and industrial applications such as power adapters, USB-PD chargers and power supplies for home appliances, air conditioners, LED lighting equipment and smart meters.
The converter operates in multiple modes to maximize efficiency under all line and load conditions. At heavy load, quasi-resonant (QR) operation with zero voltage switching minimizes turn-on losses and electromagnetic emissions (EMI).
At reduced load, Valley Skipping limits switching losses and takes advantage of ST's proprietary Valley Lock to prevent audible noise. Frequency feedback with zero voltage switching ensures the highest possible efficiency at light load, with adaptive burst mode operation to minimize losses at very low load. Additionally, advanced power management reduces standby power to less than 30 mW.
Built-in features ensure safety and reliability, including output overvoltage protection, brownout protection, and input overvoltage protection. Feedforward input voltage compensation is also provided, to minimize output peak power variation, as well as built-in thermal shutdown and frequency jitter to minimize EMI.
