EPC Announces Mass Production of 100 V Integrated GaN Power Stages
Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) has released a family of 100 V integrated gallium nitride (GaN) power-stage ICs, the EPC23108, EPC23109, EPC23110, and EPC23111, and, per the most recent coverage, moved the family into mass production. The devices are described as monolithic "ePower Stage" ICs, meaning each part integrates a complete GaN half-bridge power stage: high-side and low-side eGaN FETs, a gate driver, and level-shifting circuitry, all combined into a single thermally enhanced QFN package.
The family targets high-performance motion-control and power-conversion applications, with reporting specifically naming humanoid robots, drones, and other compact battery-powered platforms as target use cases, alongside industrial motor drives. EPC's stated design goal was to simplify implementation and improve operational robustness in real-world environments, while preserving the efficiency and power-density benefits typical of integrated GaN devices, reducing the number of external components needed and easing firmware/control design.
EPC CEO Alex Lidow is quoted as attributing new features in this family to feedback from humanoid-robot and drone customers, and framing the goal as saving design time, board space, and cost while improving reliability and performance.
The four parts split into two current ratings and two control-interface styles: EPC23108 and EPC23109 are rated for 35 A, while EPC23110 and EPC23111 are rated for 20 A. Within each current class, one variant offers dual PWM inputs (EPC23108, EPC23110) supporting adaptive dead-time control, while the other offers a single PWM input with integrated enable logic and fixed dead time (EPC23109, EPC23111) to simplify multi-axis motor-drive designs. To support the family, EPC also introduced companion three-phase BLDC evaluation boards (EPC91128, EPC91129, EPC91130, EPC91131) and a technical white paper (offered in English and Chinese) covering architecture, design considerations, and evaluation platforms.
Specifications
| Product | Max Operating Voltage | Load Current | PWM Control | Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPC23108 / EPC23109 / EPC23110 / EPC23111 | 100 V | 35 A (EPC23108, EPC23109) / 20 A (EPC23110, EPC23111) | Dual PWM (EPC23108, EPC23110) / Single-pin PWM with enable logic, fixed dead-time (EPC23109, EPC23111) | Thermally enhanced QFN |
Key Features
- Monolithic integration: high-side and low-side eGaN FETs, gate driver, and level-shifting circuitry combined in one IC
- Supports operation up to 100 V
- Load current capability up to 35 A (EPC23108/23109) or 20 A (EPC23110/23111)
- Thermally enhanced QFN package for compact, high-density designs
- Fast fault shutdown for improved operational safety
- Safe gate control maintained under power-loss conditions
- Support for continuous 100% duty-cycle operation
- Active-low fast-shutdown/standby control input with a built-in 65 kΩ pull-up, compatible with standard industrial logic levels (no extra signal conditioning needed)
- Deterministic shutdown behavior for improved operational safety
- Single-pin PWM input with integrated enable logic and fixed dead-time on EPC23109/EPC23111, simplifying multi-axis system design
- Dual PWM inputs with adaptive dead-time control on EPC23108/EPC23110 for more advanced control schemes
- Reduced external component count, simplifying firmware and overall system design
Applications
- Humanoid robotics
- Drones
- Industrial motor drives/motion control
- Robotics (general)
- Medical equipment
- Synchronous rectification
- High-density DC–DC converters
- Class-D audio systems
Availability
Per the reporting, engineering samples were made available first, with the family subsequently entering mass production and being offered through EPC's global distribution network and direct sales, with production volumes described as ramping. Companion three-phase BLDC evaluation boards (EPC23108 / EPC23109 / EPC23110 / EPC23111) and an English/Chinese technical white paper are offered alongside the family.
