DC-DC Converter Family is Optimized for GaN Gate-Drive Apps

Aligned with the increasing prevalence of wide-bandgap technology, Murata's MGN1 series of 1-W output dc-dc converters are designed to deliver the voltages needed by the gate drivers of GaN devices.

Alix Paultre

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Electronic Design

Jan. 25, 2023

Part of our electronica 2022 coverage.

Aligned with the increasing prevalence of wide-bandgap (WBG) technology, Murata's MGN1 series of 1-W output dc-dc converters are designed to deliver the voltages needed by the gate drivers of GaN devices.

Initially available in output voltages of +8, +12, and +6/–3 V, the MGN1 dc-dc converters also have an isolation capacitance of 2.5 pF (typical). This minimizes the coupling of transients across the isolation barrier, preventing signal distortion and mitigating system EMI problems. Thanks to the >200-kV/µs common-mode transient immunity (CMTI) of these units, they're well-suited to the elevated switching speeds of GaN-based systems, further ensuring gate-driver signal integrity.

The converters support a continuous isolation barrier withstand voltage of 1.1 kV, with UL62368 conformance pending for 650-V dc basic insulation and 240-V ac reinforced insulation. They also maintain 6.5-mm creepage and clearance figures.

A –40 to +105°C working temperature range allows them to be installed into extremely challenging environments. In addition, reverse-polarity and short-circuit protection mechanisms are incorporated.

About the Author

Alix Paultre

Editor-at-Large, Electronic Design

An Army veteran, Alix Paultre was a signals intelligence soldier on the East/West German border in the early ‘80s, and eventually wound up helping launch and run a publication on consumer electronics for the US military stationed in Europe. Alix first began in this industry in 1998 at Electronic Products magazine, and since then has worked for a variety of publications in the embedded electronic engineering space. Alix currently lives in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Also check out his YouTube watch-collecting channel, Talking Timepieces.