NSREC: GaN transistors in PSU design for space AI processor

“ISLVERSALDEMO2Z integrates key radiation-hardened components for power management,” said Renesas. “These ICs are designed to support power rails for next-generation space avionics systems, withstanding the harsh environment of space.” electronics Weekly has requested the radiation tolerance specification.

A notable power need in the AMD IC is 800mV at 140A.

The design as-is can deliver up to 100A at 800mV through four 25Arms phases using two ISL73847SEH PWM controllers, four ISL73041SEH GaN gate drivers and 12 ISL70020SEH 40V GaN HEMTs.

It can be modified to deliver 140A peaks, and for continuous 140A delivery “Renesas recommends using a separate PCB design to accommodate more GaN FETs in parallel, and increase the number of PCB layers to handle the extra current”, it said.

The design needs to be supplied with 12V, and a PCB is available for the 100A version – with the core power rail components taking up 104cm². Schematics, bill-of-materials and PCB Gerber files can also be obtained.

See the design on Renesas’ stand (112/113) at NSREC, the IEEE Nuclear & Space Radiation Effects Conference over 24-28 July in Kansas City, or look at the ISLVERSALDEMO2Z product page right now.