Power Supply Reference Design Using GaN FETs

By leveraging GaN FETs and the MIC2132, this reference design offers a scalable, efficient, and easy-to-implement solution for modern high-performance power applications.

Gallium Nitride Field-Effect Transistors (GaN FETs) are revolutionizing power supply design by offering high efficiency and density compared to traditional silicon MOSFETs. This reference design demonstrates how GaN FETs, when paired with the advanced MIC2132 analog controller, enable the development of high-performance power supplies. Suitable for applications ranging from telecom to industrial systems, this design simplifies implementation while achieving superior thermal performance and power density.

The MIC2132 controller is a critical component, providing a constant on-time, dual-phase synchronous buck control mechanism. Its adaptive ON-time architecture supports stackable operations of up to 8 phases, enabling scalable solutions for applications requiring up to 50A of output current. The controller’s wide input voltage range of 4.5V to 75V and programmable output voltage (0.6V to 28V) make it suitable for diverse power supply needs. With a high accuracy of ±1% at standard conditions and ±0.5% over extended temperature ranges (-40°C to 105°C), the MIC2132 ensures precise output regulation, critical for sensitive applications.

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By Microchip Technology utilizes the MIC2132’s Hyper Speed Control® architecture, which delivers ultra-fast transient responses under medium to heavy loads. The hysteretic control loop, inherent to the MIC2132, simplifies design while providing exceptional performance. Features like external programmable soft-start, remote sense amplifier for accurate output control, and adaptive voltage positioning (AVP) further enhance the system’s reliability and flexibility.

To accelerate your development, this reference design includes comprehensive resources such as design files, schematics, and layout files. These materials enable easy replication or modification of the power supply project. Additionally, the MIC2132 GaNFET Evaluation Board (EV78U64A) provides a full hardware demonstration of the MIC2132 driving GaN FETs. The board operates over an input range of 36V to 60V and supports output loads of up to 20A, showcasing the controller’s robust capabilities in real-world conditions.

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The evaluation board is engineered for testing under standard laboratory environments, with built-in protection features such as under-voltage lockout, hiccup mode short-circuit protection, and thermal shutdown. These safeguards ensure reliability during development and operational testing, provided the board is used within its specified parameters. Key features of this reference design include programmable switching frequencies from 100 kHz to 1 MHz per phase, accurate 180° phasing of outputs, and a compact 5mm x 5mm VQFN package. Together, these attributes make the MIC2132 an excellent choice for compact, efficient, and highly reliable power supplies.

Microchip has tested this reference design. It comes with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, assembly drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and more. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.