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Renesas Electronics Corporation announced that it has completed the acquisition of Transphorm, Inc. as of June 20, 2024. With the closing of the acquisition now completed, Renesas will immediately start offering GaN-based power products and related reference designs to meet the rising demand for wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor products.
WBG materials such as GaN and silicon carbide (SiC) are considered key technologies for next-generation power semiconductors due to their superior power efficiency, higher switching frequencies and small footprints compared to conventional silicon-based devices. Both GaN and SiC-based products are expected to grow rapidly over the next decade, driven by demand from electric vehicles (EVs), inverters, data center servers, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, industrial power conversion, consumer applications and others.
“Customers instantly benefit from the new GaN products through turnkey reference designs, which integrate technologies from both companies,” said Chris Allexandre, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Power at Renesas. “Adding GaN into our portfolio also reinforces our commitment to develop products and technology that make people’s lives easier. Providing robust and sustainable power solutions that save energy, reduce cost and minimize environmental impacts does just that.”
Investing in the power business is an important part of Renesas’ strategy for achieving sustainable, long-term growth. Other recent moves that Renesas has made to bolster this market segment include: the opening of the Kofu Factory, a dedicated 300-mm wafer fab for power products; ramping up a new SiC production line at the Takasaki Factory; and forging an agreement with Wolfspeed to secure a steady supply of SiC wafers over the next 10 years. With GaN technology now part of Renesas’ portfolio, Renesas is poised to offer more comprehensive power solutions to support the evolving needs of customers across a broad range of applications.
On the same day that it completed the acquisition of Transphorm, Renesas rolled out 15 new Winning Combinations, market-ready reference designs that combine the new GaN products with Renesas’ embedded processing, power, connectivity and analog portfolios. These include the designs of Transphorm’s automotive-grade GaN technology integrated for on-board battery chargers as well as 3-in-1 powertrain solutions for EVs.
Some examples are:
- 500W Onboard Battery Charger for 2-Wheeler EV
- 3-in-1 EV Unit: Inverter, Onboard Charger, DC/DC Converter
- 240W 48V Extended Power Range AC/DC Adapter
- 3.6KW Bi-directional Digital Power DAB System
Founded in 2007 in Goleta, California, Transphorm, with roots from the University of California at Santa Barbara and the Wide Bandgap industry, is built on a foundation of unique technology entrepreneurship. Transphorm, a leading innovator in GaN semiconductors designs, manufactures and sells high-performance and high-reliability GaN power products for a broad spectrum of high-voltage power conversion applications.
Original – Renesas Electronics
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Transphorm, Inc. announced that its PCIM 2024 showcase will underscore its ability to outperform competitive wide bandgap technologies in higher power systems. For example, Transphorm’s normally-off d-mode SuperGaN®platform delivers higher electron mobility resulting in lower crossover losses versus Silicon Carbide—making it more a cost-effective, higher performing solution for various electric vehicle, datacenter/AI, infrastructure, renewable energy, and other broad industrial applications. To learn more, visit Transphorm during PCIM in Hall 7, Stall 108 during June 11 to 13, 2024.
Transphorm SuperGaN FETs are in production in a wide range of customer products crossing the power spectrum from low 45 W power adapters to higher power 7.5 kW PSUs. Many of these customer products are the first publicly recognized GaN-based systems of their kind and uniquely demonstrate advantages enabled only by the SuperGaN platform.
Examples include the previously mentioned liquid-cooled 7.5 kW PSU for mission-critical datacenter/blockchain applications; a 2.7 kW server CRPS with > 82 W/in3 power density (highest in any GaN power system available today); and 2.2 kW and 3 kW rack-mount 1U uninterruptible power supplies (UPSes). These design wins illustrate Transphorm’s ability to drive GaN into the various application markets composing an estimated GaN TAM of $8 billion by 2028.
In addition to real-world customer products, Transphorm continues to lead in technological achievements having recently demonstrated a 5 microsecond short-circuit withstand time, a bidirectional four-quadrant switch, and a 1200 V GaN-on-Sapphire device.
On-site demonstrations will include Transphorm solutions for 2- and 3-wheeler electric vehicle chargers along with customer PSUs for renewable energy systems, data centers, and more.
Speaking Engagement
Learn more about how Transphorm’s GaN solutions outperform competitive technologies and enable cross-industry innovations during the Bodo’s Power Systems session.
Panel: GaN Wide Bandgap Design, the Future of Power
Speaker: Philip Zuk, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Marketing
Date: June 12
Time: 2:20 – 3:20 p.m. CEST
Location: Hall 7, Stall 743Original – Transphorm
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Transphorm, Inc. and the global leader in adapter USB Power Delivery (PD) Controller Integrated Circuits (IC) Weltrend Semiconductor Inc. announced availability of two new GaN System-in-Packages (SiPs). When combined with Weltrend’s flagship GaN SiP announced last year, the new devices establish the first SiP product family based on Transphorm’s SuperGaN® platform.
The new SiPs—WT7162RHUG24B and WT7162RHUG24C—integrate Weltrend’s high frequency multi-mode (QR/Valley Switching) Flyback PWM controller with Transphorm’s 150 mΩ and 480 mΩ SuperGaN FETs respectively. Like their 240 mΩ predecessor (WT7162RHUG24A), the devices pair with USB PD or programmable power adapter controllers to provide a total adapter solution.
Notably, they also offer several innovative features including the UHV valley tracking charge mode, adaptive OCP compensation, and adaptive green mode control among others that allow customers to design high quality power supplies faster and with fewer components using the simplest design approach.
“When we launched our first GaN SiP last year, it was an important milestone in our company’s evolution. It demonstrated a new GTM strategy for the AC-to-DC power market,” said Wayne Lo, Vice President of Marketing, Weltrend. “Today’s news confirms we’re continuing to serve that space with a wider selection of devices designed to support a wider assortment of product power levels. A total packaged solution with Transphorm’s SuperGaN platform delivers design simplicity with unparalleled performance for devices now ranging from low 30-watt USB-C PD power adapters through to nearly 200-watt chargers, a unique Transphorm GaN capability.”
End product manufacturers seek ways to develop new adapters with a reduced bill-of-materials (BOM) that offer versatility, fast charging, and higher power outputs. Additionally, in many cases they seek to deliver “one-size-fits-all” chargers with multiple ports and/or multiple types of connections. All of this in smaller, lighter weight form factor.
Some key advantages of Transphorm’s normally-off d-mode SuperGaN platform include best-in-class robustness (+/- 20 V gate margin with a 4 V noise immunity) and reliability (< 0.05 FIT) with the ability to increase power density by 50% over silicon. Weltrend’s elegant SiP designs harness those advantages along with its own innovative technologies to create a near plug-and-play solution that speeds design while reducing form factor size.
“SiPs are an important device option when considering the needs of adapter and charger manufacturers,” said Tushar Dhayagude, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and FAE, Transphorm. “These systems require effective power conversion that, while simple to use with integrated functionality, also minimize learning curves to ensure quick design in. The first device released validated the performance and versatility of a SuperGaN SiP. The new devices announced today validate both our companies’ deepening commitment to arming customers with choice.”
Key Specifications WT7162RHUG24A WT7162RHUG24B (new) WT7162RHUG24C (new) Rds(on) 240 mΩ 150 mΩ 480 mΩ Vds min 650 V Power Efficiency > 93% Power Density 26 w/in3 Max Frequency 180 kHz Wide Output
Voltage OperationUSB-C PD 3.0
PPS 3.3V~21VPackage 24-pin 8×8 QFN Key Features Feature Advantage Adjustable GaN FET gate slew rate control Balances out efficiency and EMI compliance External VDD linear regulator circuit not required
(700 V ultra HV start-up current pulled directly from AC Line voltage)Reduces component count Reduced package inductance Maximizes chip performance Fits in a standard 8×8 QFN FF Allows for low profile/small system footprint Original – Transphorm
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Transphorm, Inc. announced its financial results for the third quarter of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 (“Q3 Fiscal 2024”).
Key Business Highlights
- Reported total revenue of $4.7 million for Q3 Fiscal 2024, an increase of 4.0% over the same quarter last year and a decrease of 6.8% from the prior quarter.
- Product revenue was $3.2 million in the quarter, a decrease of 20% from the same quarter last year and a decrease of 11% from the prior quarter, owing to short term demand pushouts. Government revenue was $1.5 million in the quarter, an increase of 180% from the same quarter last year and flat with the prior quarter. Gross margin in the quarter was 1.6%, compared to (59.4)% in the same quarter last year and 23.4% in the prior quarter – Margins in the current quarter were impacted by a $250K Consumption tax adjustment and $170K in non-recurring scrap.
- Raised $3.0 million through the exercise of existing warrants and $2.1 million of short-term debt.
High Power Segment Update – Continued Leadership of Transphorm in GaN
- Increased total design-ins for higher power (300 watt – 7.5 kilowatt) to over 120 (with over 35 in production), an increase of 20% from the Company’s previous update in November 2023.
- Announced two new SuperGaN devices in a 4-lead TO-247 package, a drop-in replacement for SiC FETs and offering a 35 mOhm and 50 mOhm on-resistance and a benefit of more efficient, switching capabilities with 25% lower energy losses in recent internal tests, increasing socket penetration opportunities with new and existing solutions.
- Announced a collaboration with Allegro MicroSystem’s AHV85110 Isolated Gate Driver and Transphorm’s SuperGaN FETs to increase GaN power system performance for high power applications, using our just released 650V / 70 mOhm TOLL device.
- Launched three Transphorm FETs in surface mount devices (SMD) TOLL packages supporting higher power applications for power hungry AI applications, server power, energy and industrial markets, positioning GaN as optimal devices for these kilo-watt class power hungry applications and proving its high voltage-high power dynamic reliability.
- Launched the SuperGaN TOLT FET, the industry’s first top-sided cooled surface mount GaN device in the JEDEC-standard (MO-332) TOLT Package delivering superior thermal and electrical performance for computing, AI, energy, and automotive power systems.
- Released two battery charger reference designs for electric vehicle (“EV”) charging applications, ideal for two- and three-wheeled EVs.
- On track for 1200V engineering samples by middle of calendar year 2024.
Low Power Segment Update – Transphorm Enables Superior Performance
- Increased total design-ins for power adapters and fast chargers (< 300 watt) to over 125 (with over 30 in production), an increase in ongoing design-ins of 8% from the Company’s previous update in November 2023.
- Announced with Weltrend Semiconductor Inc., a 100-watt USB-C PD power adapter reference design, using Transphorm’s SuperGaN System-in-Package, WT7162RHUG24A, to achieve 92.7% efficiency in a Quasi-resonant flyback topology.
Primit Parikh, Transphorm’s CEO and Co-Founder, commented, “While our third quarter product revenue decreased marginally on a sequential basis, we continued to experience strong momentum in building our revenue pipeline and securing design-ins. During the third quarter, we successfully launched several new high power products and two key reference designs targeted for EV two- and three-wheeler market.”
Q3 Fiscal 2024 Financial Results
Revenue was $4.7 million for Q3 Fiscal 2024, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 6.8%, compared to $5.0 million in the prior quarter and an increase of $0.2 million, or 3.9%, compared to $4.5 million for the same period in 2022 (“Q3 Fiscal 2023”).
Operating expenses were $9.0 million in Q3 Fiscal 2024, compared to $7.7 million in the prior quarter and $7.2 million in Q3 Fiscal 2023 driven largely by legal expenses related to the definitive agreement with Renesas. Q3 Fiscal 2024 operating expenses consisted of R&D expenses of $2.8 million and SG&A expenses of $6.2 million. Operating expenses on a non-GAAP basis were $7.3 million in Q3 Fiscal 2024, compared to $6.4 million in the prior quarter and $6.0 million in Q3 Fiscal 2023.
Net loss for Q3 Fiscal 2024 was ($10.0) million, or ($0.20) per share, compared to net loss of ($7.1) million, or ($0.12) per share, in the prior quarter, and net loss of ($10.5) million, or ($0.18) per share, in Q3 Fiscal 2023. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted EBITDA for Q3 Fiscal 2024 was ($6.9) million, or ($0.11) per share, compared to non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA of ($5.0) million, or ($0.08) per share, in the prior quarter, and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA of ($8.5) million, or ($0.15) per share, in Q3 Fiscal 2023.
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of December 31, 2023, were $8.0 million.
Original – Transphorm
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Transphorm, Inc. announced availability of two new SuperGaN® devices in a 4-lead TO-247 package (TO-247-4L). The new TP65H035G4YS and TP65H050G4YS FETs offer a 35 mOhm and 50 mOhm on resistance respectively, complete with a kelvin-source terminal that gives customers versatile switching capabilities with even lower energy losses.
The new products will run on Transphorm’s well-established GaN-on-Silicon substrate manufacturing process that is cost-effective, reliable, and well-suited for high volume manufacturing on silicon production lines. The 50 mOhm TP65H050G4YS FET is currently available while the 35mOhm TP65H035G4YS FET is sampling and slated for release in calendar Q1’2024.
Transphorm’s 4-lead SuperGaN devices can serve as an original design-in option or as a drop-in replacement for 4-lead silicon and SiC solutions supporting power supplies at 1 kilowatt and up in a wide range of data center, renewables, and broad industrial applications. As noted, the 4-lead configuration offers flexibility to users for further improved switching performance.
In a hard-switched synchronous boost converter, the 35 mOhm SuperGaN 4-lead FET reduced losses by 15 percent at 50 kilohertz (kHz) and by 27 percent at 100 kHz when compared to a SiC MOSFET device with a comparable on resistance.
Transphorm’s SuperGaN FETs are known for delivering differentiating advantages such as:
- Industry-leading robustness with a +/- 20 V gate threshold and a 4 V noise immunity.
- Easier designability by reducing the amount of circuitry required around the device.
- Easier drivability as FETs can pair with well-known, off-the shelf drivers common to silicon devices.
The TO-247-4L devices offer the same robustness, designability, and drivability with the following core specifications:
Part Number Vds (V) min Rds(on) (mΩ) typ Vth (V) typ Id (25°C) (A) max Package Variation TP65H035G4YS 650 35 3.6 46.5 Source TP65H050G4YS 650 50 4 35 Source “We continue to expand our product portfolio to bring to market GaN FETs that help customers leverage our SuperGaN platform performance advantages in whatever design requirement they may have,” said Philip Zuk, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Marketing, Transphorm.
“The four-lead TO-247 package provides flexibility for designers and customers seeking even greater power system loss reductions with little to no design modifications on silicon or silicon carbide systems. It’s an important addition to our product line as we ramp into higher power applications.”
Original – Transphorm
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Renesas Electronics Corporation and Transphorm, Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which a subsidiary of Renesas will acquire all outstanding shares of Transphorm’s common stock for $5.10 per share in cash, representing a premium of approximately 35% to Transphorm’s closing price on January 10, 2024, a premium of approximately 56% to the volume weighted average price over the last twelve months and a premium of approximately 78% to the volume weighted average price over the last six months.
The transaction values Transphorm at approximately $339 million. The acquisition will provide Renesas with in-house GaN technology, a key next-generation material for power semiconductors, expanding its reach into fast-growing markets such as EVs, computing (data centers, AI, infrastructure), renewable energy, industrial power conversion and fast chargers/adapters.
Demand for highly efficient power systems is increasing as building blocks for carbon neutrality. To address this trend, an industry-wide transition toward wide bandgap (“WBG”) materials, represented by silicon carbide (“SiC”) and GaN, is also being seen. These advanced materials allow a broader range of voltage and switching frequency than conventional silicon-based devices. To build on this momentum, Renesas has announced the establishment of an in-house SiC production line, supported by a 10 year SiC wafer supply agreement.
Renesas now aims to further expand its WBG portfolio with Transphorm’s expertise in GaN, an emerging material that enables higher switching frequency, lower power losses, and smaller form factors. These benefits empower customers’ systems with greater efficiency, smaller and lighter composition, and lower overall cost.
As such, demand for GaN is predicted to grow by more than 50 percent annually, according to an industry study. Renesas will implement Transphorm’s auto-qualified GaN technology to develop new enhanced power solution offerings, such as X-in-1 powertrain solutions for EVs, along with computing, energy, industrial and consumer applications.
“Transphorm is a company uniquely led by a seasoned team rooted in GaN power and with origins from the University of California at Santa Barbara,” said Hidetoshi Shibata, CEO of Renesas. “The addition of Transphorm’s GaN technology builds on our momentum in IGBT and SiC. It will fuel and expand our power portfolio as a key pillar of growth, offering our customers the full ability to choose their optimal power solutions.”
“Combined with Renesas’ world-wide footprint, breadth of solution offerings and customer relationships, we are excited to pave the way for industry-wide adoption of WBG materials and set the stage for significant growth.
This transaction will also allow us to offer further expanded services to our customers and deliver significant immediate cash value to our stockholders,” said Dr. Primit Parikh, Co-founder, President and CEO of Transphorm and Dr. Umesh Mishra, Co-founder and CTO of Transphorm. “Additionally, it will provide a strong platform for our exceptional team to further Transphorm’s leading GaN technology and products.”
The board of directors of Transphorm has unanimously approved the definitive agreement with respect to the transaction and recommended that Transphorm stockholders adopt such definitive agreement and approve the merger. Concurrently with the execution of the definitive agreement, KKR Phorm Investors L.P., which holds approximately 38.6% of Transphorm’s outstanding common stock, has entered into a customary voting agreement with Renesas to vote in favor of the transaction.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2024, subject to Transphorm stockholder approval, required regulatory clearances and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
Original – Renesas Electronics
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Transphorm, Inc. and Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. announced a collaboration including Transphorm’s SuperGaN® FETs and Allegro’s AHV85110 Isolated Gate Driver to enable the expansion of GaN power system design for high power applications.
Transphorm’s SuperGaN FETs are designed to work in various topologies and are available in several different packages to support a wide power range while also satisfying diverse end application requirements. SuperGaN FETs are used in multiple commercial products, including higher power systems where they are proven to notably increase reliability, power density, and efficiency.
Allegro’s self-powered, single-channel isolated gate driver IC is optimized for driving GaN FETs in multiple applications and circuits. The AHV85110 is proven to enhance driver efficiency by as much as 50% compared to competitive gate drivers. This unique solution greatly simplifies the system design, reduces noise by 10x and common mode capacitance by 15 times compared to other solutions in the market.
“Allegro’s AHV85110 High Voltage Gate Driver provides a highly compact and efficient power stage implementation that helps to achieve an approximate 30 percent footprint reduction with the least number of external components and bias supply requirements around Transphorm’s power devices,” said Tushar Dhayagude, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and FAE, Transphorm.
“Combined with SuperGaN’s highest reliability and superior dynamic switching performance over competing technologies, the end result is a more efficient, more robust solution with increased power density in critical applications such as server, data centers, renewables and electric vehicles.”
“We are excited about working with Transphorm on a collaboration that further supports Allegro’s focus towards helping customers optimize GaN-based system development and design,” said Vijay Mangtani, Vice President and General Manager of High Voltage Power, Allegro MicroSystems. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to combine our high voltage isolated gate driver AHV85110 with Transphorm’s SuperGaN FET to enable higher power density, higher efficiency, and higher power output in smaller form factors and provide value to both our and Transphorm’s customers.”
Those interested in testing the collaborative solution can do so via Allegro’s APEK85110KNH-06-T evaluation board. The board incorporates both the AHV85110 designed to work in various applications along with Transphorm’s recently announced TOLL packageavailable in three devices with on-resistances of 35, 50, and 72 milliohms.
Original – Transphorm
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Transphorm, Inc. introduced the SuperGaN® TOLT FET. With an on-resistance of 72 milliohms, the TP65H070G4RS transistor is the industry’s first top-side cooled surface mount GaN device in the JEDEC-standard (MO-332) TOLT package. The TOLT package offers flexibility of thermal management to customers where system requirements do not allow for the more conventional surface mount devices with bottom-side cooling.
The thermal performance of the TOLT is similar to that of the widely used, thermally robust TO-247 through-hole packages and delivers the added benefit of highly efficient manufacturing processes enabled by SMD-based printed circuit board assembly (PCBA).
The TP65H070G4RS leverages Transphorm’s robust, high performance 650-volt normally-off d-mode GaN platform offering improved efficiency over silicon, silicon carbide, and other GaN offerings via lower gate charge, output capacitance, crossover loss, reverse recovery charge, and dynamic resistance.
The SuperGaN platform advantages combined with the TOLT’s better thermals and system assembly flexibility results in a high performance, high reliability GaN solution for customers seeking to bring to market power systems with higher power density and efficiency at an overall lower power system cost.
Transphorm is engaged with multiple global partners for high power GaN, including lead customers in server and storage power, a global leader in the energy/microinverter space, an innovative manufacturer of off-grid power solutions, and a leader in satellite communications.
“Surface mount devices such as the TOLL and the TOLT offer various benefits such as lower internal inductance as well as simpler board mounting during manufacturing. The TOLT adds to that more flexible overall thermal management with through-hole like thermal performance by using top-side cooling,” said Philip Zuk, SVP Business Development and Marketing, Transphorm.
“These devices are commonly found in mid to high power system applications for key market segments including high performance computing (Server, Telecom, AI Power), Renewables and Industrial, and Electric Vehicles, some of which our GaN technology already powers today. we’re very excited to enable our customers to realize additional system level benefits with TOLT SuperGaN solutions.”
Today’s product release comes on the heels of Transphorm’s recent introduction of its three new TOLL FETs. Addition of the TOLT expands the company’s product offerings yet again. Its availability highlights Transphorm’s commitment to supporting customer preferences by making its SuperGaN platform accessible in various packages across the widest power range.
Device Specifications
SuperGaN devices lead the market with unmatched:- Reliability at < 0.05 FIT
- Gate safety margin at ± 20 V
- Noise immunity at 4 V
- Temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) at 20% lower than e-mode normally-off GaN
- Drive flexibility with standard off-the-shelf silicon drivers
The robust 650 V SuperGaN TOLT device is JEDEC qualified. Because the normally-off d-mode platform pairs the GaN HEMT with an integrated low voltage silicon MOSFET, the SuperGaN FETs are easy to drive with commonly used off-the-shelf gate drivers. They can be used in various hard- and soft-switching AC-to-DC, DC-to-DC, and DC-to-AC topologies to increase power density while reducing system size, weight, and overall cost.
Part Dimensions (mm) RDS(on) (mΩ) typ RDS(on) (mΩ) max Vth (V) typ Id (25°C) (A) max TP65H070G4RS 10 x 15 72 85 4 29 Original – Transphorm
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Transphorm, Inc. introduced three SuperGaN® FETs in TOLL packages with on-resistances of 35, 50, and 72 milliohms. Transphorm’s TOLL package configuration is industry standard, meaning the SuperGaN TOLL FETs can be used as drop-in replacements for any e-mode TOLL solution.
The new devices also offer Transphorm’s proven high voltage dynamic (switching) on-resistance reliability that is generally lacking in leading foundry-based e-mode GaN offerings. To sample the devices, visit Transphorm’s product page: https://www.transphormusa.com/en/products/.
The three surface mount devices (SMDs) support higher power applications operating within an average range of 1 to 3 kilowatts. These power systems are typically found in high performance segments such as computing (AI, server, telecom, data center), energy and industrial (PV inverters, servo motors), and other broad industrial markets which, collectively, have a current global GaN TAM of $2.5B. Notably, the FETs are optimal solutions for today’s rapidly expanding AI systems that rely on GPUs requiring 10 to 15 times the power of traditional CPUs.
Transphorm’s high power GaN devices are already widely supplied to leading customers who use them to power in-production high performance systems including datacenter power supplies, high power gaming PSUs, UPSes, and microinverters. These applications can also be supported by the TOLL devices as can electric-vehicle-based DC-to-DC converters and onboard chargers, with the underlying SuperGaN die already automotive (AEC-Q101) qualified.
The SuperGaN TOLL FETs represent the sixth package type offered by Transphorm, giving customers the widest selection of packages to meet their unique design requirements. As with all Transphorm products, the TOLL devices harness the inherent performance and reliability advantages made possible by the normally-off d-mode SuperGaN platform.
For a detailed competitive analysis between SuperGaN and e-mode GaN, download the company’s latest white paper titled The Fundamental Advantages of d-Mode GaN in Cascode Configuration. The white paper’s conclusion aligns with a head-to-head comparison released earlier this year showing the 72 milliohm SuperGaN FETs outperforming larger 50 milliohm e-mode devices in a commercially available 280 W gaming laptop charger.
SuperGaN devices lead the market with unmatched:
- Reliability at < 0.03 FIT
- Gate safety margin at ± 20 V
- Noise immunity at 4 V
- Temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) at 20% lower than e-mode
- Drive flexibility with standard drivers and protection circuits readily available in silicon-based controllers/drivers
Device Specifications
The robust 650 V SuperGaN TOLL devices are JEDEC qualified. Because the normally-off d-mode platform pairs the GaN HEMT with a low voltage silicon MOSFET, the SuperGaN FETs are easy to drive with commonly used off-the-shelf gate drivers. They can be used in various hard- and soft-switching AC-to-DC, DC-to-DC, and DC-to-AC topologies to increase power density while reducing system size, weight, and overall cost.Part Dimensions (mm) RDS(on) (mΩ) typ RDS(on) (mΩ) max Vth (V) typ Id (25°C) (A) max TP65H035G4QS 10 x 12 35 41 4 46.5 TP65H050G4QS 10 x 12 50 60 4 34 TP65H070G4QS 10 x 12 72 85 4 29 Original – Transphorm
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Transphorm, Inc. announced that its GaN platform powers the world’s first integrated photovoltaic (PV) systems from DAH Solar Co., Ltd. (Anhui Daheng New Energy Technology Co., LTD/subsidiary of DAH Solar). The PV systems are used in DAH Solar’s new SolarUnit product line. DAH Solar credits Transphorm’s GaN FETs with enabling it to produce smaller, lighter, and more reliable solar panel systems that also offer higher overall power generation with lower energy consumption.
The design achievements continue to demonstrate Transphorm’s One Core GaN Platform, Crossing the Power Spectrum leadership position by solidifying its value proposition in the renewables market, which currently represent a GaN TAM of more than $500M.
DAH Solar uses Transphorm’s 150 mΩ and 70 mΩ GaN FETs in the SolarUnits’ design architecture (both DC-to-DC and DC-to-AC power stages). The SolarUnits are available in three models with power outputs of 800 W, 920 W, or 1500 W and peak efficiencies of 97.16%, 97.2%, and 97.55% respectively. The GaN devices deliver higher switching frequencies and power density versus incumbent silicon solutions. Notably, the two FETs are available in PQFN88 performance packages that pair with commonly-used gate drivers—features that helped DAH Solar quicken its design time.
“We have a strong legacy of producing innovative PV products. As such, we consistently look for ways to advance our products with state-of-the-art technologies to create a better, more efficient end user experience,” said Yong Gu, GM, DAH Solar. “We view Transphorm as an authority in the field of GaN production and found their advanced GaN FETs to be the optimal devices for our new SolarUnit line. The devices are easy to design in and offer performance advantages that enable us to continue building on our legacy.”
Transphorm today supports the largest range of power conversion requirements (45 W to 10+ kW) across the widest range of power applications. The company’s FET portfolio includes 650 V and 900 V devices with 1200 V devices in development. These FETs are JEDEC and AEC-Q101 qualified, making them optimal solutions for power adapters and computer PSUs through to broad industrial UPSs and electric vehicle mobility systems.
The company’s technology innovations continue to set new benchmarks across the GaN power semiconductor industry. In parallel, they help customers bring to market new, disruptive applications in their own markets—such as DAH Solar’s PV systems.
These achievements are due to Transphorm’s normally-off SuperGaN® platform, which uses the cascode d-mode configuration to harness GaN’s intrinsic advantages. The superior physics of this high performance GaN platform design delivers competitively unmatched benefits such as easier drivability, easier designability, higher reliability, and greater manufacturability.
“The value Transphorm’s GaN platform brings to a variety of applications continues to be demonstrated by market leaders like DAH Solar,” Kenny Yim, Vice President of Asia Sales, Transphorm. “Solar inverters as well as other high-power applications require highly reliable, high performing power semiconductors that can withstand decades of operation in harsh environments.
Using Transphorm’s SuperGaN technology helps reduce power loss thereby minimizing thermal stress on other designed-in components. That’s a phenomenal achievement over alternative GaN and Silicon solutions underscoring the benefits our GaN brings to next generation power systems.”
Original – Transphorm
