According to EPC, the LM5113 is the industry's first driver to optimally drive and fully release the benefits of enhancement-mode gallium-nitride FETs. The EPC9102 demonstrates the performance capabilities of high-switching-frequency eGaN FETs when coupled with this eGaN driver. The whole converter is constructed within the standard eighth-brick footprint and height (2.3x0.9x0.4in) requirements. Despite its small size, the board has a peak-power efficiency of 94.8% while delivering 10 amps of current with a 36V input. The EPC9102 demonstration circuit was designed to showcase the size and performance that can readily be achieved at 375kHz operation using eGaN FETs. The operating frequency is roughly 50% to 100% higher than similar commercial eighth-brick DC-DC power converters.

To assist the power system design engineer, the EPC9102 demonstration board is oversized so as to allow connections for bench evaluation. There are various probe points to facilitate simple waveform measurements and efficiency calculation. The board is intended for bench evaluation with low-ambient temperature and forced air cooling.

A Quick Start Guideis included with the EPC9102 demo board, for reference and ease of use. The demo boards are priced at $306.25 each. There are also additional design tools available that feature EPC eGaN FETs with the Texas Instruments LM5113 driver, namely EPC9001, EPC9002, EPC9101, and LM5113LLPEVB.