Mar. 24, 2023 /SemiMedia/ -- ROHM Semiconductor recently announced its ultra-high-speed control IC technology that maximizes the performance of GaN and other high-speed switching devices.

ROHM’s new control IC technology incorporates Nano Pulse Control. It is cultivated by combining advanced analog expertise covering circuit design, processes, and layout utilizing ROHM’s vertically integrated production system. This significantly reduces the minimum control pulse width of the control IC from the conventional 9ns to 2ns using a unique circuit configuration, making it possible to step down from high voltages up to 60V to low voltages down to 0.6V with a single power supply IC in 24V and 48V applications. In addition, support for smaller drive peripheral components for high frequency switching of GaN devices decreases mounting area by approximately 86% over conventional solutions when paired with an EcoGaN power supply circuit.

While the adoption of GaN devices has expanded in recent years due to their superior high-speed switching characteristics, the speed of control ICs, which are responsible for directing the driving of these devices, has become challenging. In response, ROHM has further evolved its ultra-high-speed pulse control technology, Nano Pulse Control™. This technology is cultivated for power supply ICs, succeeding in significantly improving the control pulse width from the conventional 9ns to an industry-best[1] 2ns. Leveraging this technology has allowed ROHM to establish its ultra-high-speed control IC technology that maximizes the performance of GaN devices.

When pursuing miniaturization of the power supply circuit, it is necessary to reduce the size of the peripheral components through high-speed switching. Achieving this requires a control IC that can take advantage of the drive performance of high-speed switching devices such as GaN devices. To propose solutions that include peripheral components, ROHM established ultra-high-speed control IC technology optimized for GaN devices utilizing proprietary analog power supply technology Nano Pulse Control.

ROHM is currently working to commercialize control ICs utilizing this technology, with plans to start sample shipment of a 100V 1ch DC-DC control IC in the second half of 2023. Using this technology in conjunction with ROHM GaN devices (EcoGaN™ series) is expected to result in significant energy savings and miniaturization in a variety of applications, including base stations, data centers, FA (Factory Automation) equipment, and drones.