The EPC91118 reference design from EPC integrates energy, sensing, and management on a compact round PCB for humanoid robotic joints and UAVs. Pushed by the EPC23104 GaN-based energy stage, the three-phase BLDC inverter delivers as much as 10 A RMS steady-state output and 15 A RMS pulsed.
Complementing the GaN energy stage are all the important thing capabilities for a whole motor drive inverter, together with a microcontroller, rotor shaft magnetic encoder, regulated auxiliary rails, voltage and present sensing, and safety options. Housekeeping provides are derived from the inverter’s foremost enter, with a 5-V rail powering the GaN stage and a 3.3-V rail supplying the controller, sensors, and RS-485 interface. All these capabilities match on a 32-mm diameter board, increasing to 55 mm together with an exterior body for mechanical integration.
The inverter’s small dimension permits integration instantly into humanoid joint motors. GaN’s excessive switching frequency permits using compact MLCCs rather than bulkier electrolytic capacitors, serving to cut back general dimension whereas enhancing reliability. With a footprint reportedly 66% smaller than comparable silicon MOSFET designs, the EPC91118 allows a space-saving motor drive structure.
EPC91118 reference design boards are priced at $394.02 every. The EPC23104 eGaN energy stage IC prices $2.69 every in 3000-unit reels. Each can be found for speedy supply from Digi-Key.
Environment friendly Energy Conversion
The publish Analysis board powers small robotics and drones appeared first on EDN.
