Reference design kit for solar race cars features high-efficiency GaN IC

Power Integrations rolled out a new reference design kit tailored specifically for solar-powered race cars as 37 student teams prepared to race across the Outback in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, which started on August 24.

The kit, RDK-85SLR, features the PI InnoSwitch3-AQ IC, which includes PI’s PowiGaN gallium-nitride switch technology. The kit is inspired by a design created by PI’s PowerPros online support engineers in collaboration with the ETH Zurich aCentauri team, whose #85 ‘Silvretta’ challenger-class car utilised the design to maximise efficiency in its auxiliary power supply.

“Thousands of engineering students participate in solar car challenges around the world each year, and these innovators will help bring about a more sustainable future,” said Andy Smith, director of technical outreach and training for Power Integrations. “We are providing this reference kit to help young engineers take advantage of the latest, most energy-efficient technologies, such as PowiGaN, in their designs.”

The design kit includes everything needed to create a 46W power supply that delivers up to 80W for short periods, making it perfect for use as an auxiliary power supply in a solar race car. It utilises the company’s InnoSwitch3-AQ flyback power supply IC, featuring a highly efficient PowiGaN switch, which eliminates the need for a heatsink. This enables more compact, lightweight, and cost-effective designs. Contents of the kit include a sample power supply, four InnoSwitch3-AQ ICs, and an unpopulated PCB. It is backed by a report containing power supply and magnetics transformer build instructions, schematics, a PCB layout guide, a parts list and comprehensive performance data. Live tech support is available from Power Integrations’ PowerPros team.

“We proved PowiGaN’s reliability, performance and efficiency in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2023,” stated Aaron Griesser, lead electrical engineer from the 2023 aCentauri team. “We achieved 95% efficiency across both light and full loads with a broad output range of 5W to 60W. Additionally, the scrutineering judges were astounded to see an auxiliary power supply without a heatsink.”