STMicroelectronics has launched two new 100 W VIPerGaN high-voltage converters aimed at boosting energy efficiency in applications such as home appliances, building automation, smart lighting, and consumer electronics like TVs and chargers. Based on gallium nitride (GaN) technology, these devices offer higher power density and better thermal performance in compact designs.
The lineup includes the VIPerGaN100W with a 3.5 A drain current limit, and the VIPerGaN100WB, which supports up to 4.2 A to manage short peak loads of up to 125 W. This makes it easier for designers to handle demanding loads without oversizing the power stage, especially in appliances with motors or solenoids such as air conditioners and coffee machines. Both versions support a wide input voltage range from 85 V to 265 V AC and can deliver the full 100 W output at 185 V input.
Each device integrates a 700 V GaN transistor with very low on-resistance, helping improve efficiency and reduce heat. They come in a small 5 mm × 6 mm QFN package and combine several functions—power switch, gate driver, and flyback controller—into a single chip, simplifying circuit design and reducing the need for external tuning.
By using GaN technology, the converters support high switching frequencies, which allows smaller passive components while maintaining high efficiency. STMicroelectronics has demonstrated this in its EVLVIPGAN100WP reference design for a 100 W USB Type-C Power Delivery adapter, achieving over 92% peak efficiency and a power density of 24 W/in³.
The devices operate in quasi-resonant mode with zero-voltage switching to maximize efficiency across different load levels. They also include features like frequency foldback at light loads, valley-skipping at mid loads, and burst mode at no-load conditions to keep standby power below 30 mW.
Additional enhancements such as line-voltage feedforward, dynamic blanking time, and built-in protections for overvoltage, overtemperature, and supply issues improve reliability and performance.
The VIPerGaN100W and VIPerGaN100WB are now available through STMicroelectronics’ distribution network, enabling more compact and efficient power supply designs.
