April 7, 2022, China — STMicroelectronics’ VIPerGaN50 simplifies the design of single-switch flyback power converters up to 50 W and integrates a 650V gallium nitride (GaN) power transistor, enabling higher levels of power supply efficiency and miniaturization.
The VIPerGaN50 employs a single-switch topology and integrates numerous functions, including built-in current sampling and protection circuitry, all within a low-cost, compact 5mm x 6mm package. The integrated GaN transistors on the chip allow for high switching frequencies, thereby reducing the size and weight of flyback converters. Using this product to design advanced high-efficiency switching power supplies (SMPS) can significantly reduce the number of external components.
VIPerGaN50 helps designers leverage GaN's wide bandgap technology to meet increasingly stringent eco-design standards, achieving energy savings and net-zero carbon emissions globally. Target applications include consumer and industrial power supplies, such as power adapters, USB-PD chargers, and power supplies for home appliances, air conditioners, LED lighting equipment, and smart meters.
This converter offers multiple operating modes to maximize power efficiency under all input voltage and load conditions. Under high loads, quasi-resonant (QR) mode, combined with zero-voltage switching, minimizes conduction losses and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Under light loads, valley-skipping mode controls switching losses and utilizes STMicroelectronics' proprietary valley-locked-off technology to prevent audible noise. Frequency foldback mode, combined with zero-voltage switching, ensures the highest possible efficiency under light load conditions. Adaptive intermittent operation mode minimizes power loss under extremely low load conditions. Furthermore, advanced power management features reduce standby power to below 30mW.
Built-in chip features ensure power supply safety and reliability, including output overvoltage protection, brown-in/brown-out protection, and input overvoltage protection. Input voltage feedforward compensation is also provided to minimize output peak power variations. Other safety features include embedded over-temperature protection and frequency jitter functionality to minimize EMI.
The VIPerGaN50 is now in production and comes in a 5mm x 6mm QFN package. Free samples are available for purchase on STMicroelectronics' online marketplace, eSTore.
