First GaN IPM to enable smaller and more energy-efficient high-voltage motors

Texas Instruments has released the industry’s first 650V three-phase GaN IPM for 250W motor drive applications. The new GaN IPM addresses many design and performance compromises engineers commonly face when designing major home appliances and HVAC systems. The DRV7308 GaN IPM facilitates more than 99% inverter efficiency, optimised acoustic performance, reduced solution size and lower system costs. It is on display at the PCIM Conference.

“Designers of high-voltage home appliances and HVAC systems are striving to meet higher energy-efficiency standards to support environmental sustainability goals around the world, said Nicole Navinsky, Motor Drives business unit manager at TI. “They are also addressing consumer demand for systems that are reliable, quiet and compact. With TI’s new GaN IPM, engineers can design motor driver systems that delivers all of these expectations and operates at peak efficiency.”

Worldwide efficiency standards for appliances and HVAC systems such as SEER, MEPS, Energy Star and Top Runner are becoming increasingly stringent. The DRV7308 helps engineers satisfy these standards, employing GaN technology to deliver more than 99% efficiency and improve thermal performance, with 50% decreased power losses compared to existing solutions.

Also, the device accomplishes industry-low dead time and low propagation delay, both less than 200ns, allowing higher PWM switching frequencies that lower audible noise and system vibration. These advantages, along with the higher power efficiency and integrated features of the device, also reduce motor heating, which can improve reliability and extend the lifetime of the system.

At PCIM in Hall 7, Booth 652, visitors can see new products and solutions from the company that are enabling the transition to a more sustainable future with reliable, high-voltage technology.