GaN bidirectional switches

The CoolGaN™ BDS 650 V G5 comprises true normally-off monolithic GaN bidirectional switches with four modes of operation. Each device features two separate gates with substrate terminal and independent isolated control, allowing for a common-drain configuration that utilizes the same drift region to block voltages and current in both directions.

By replacing two or four unidirectional switches with a single bidirectional switch, designers can achieve significant cost savings while enabling higher switching frequencies and improved performance. With the CoolGaN™ BDS 650 V G5, applications targeting solar microinverters, motor drives, AI server or telecom SMPS can benefit from increased efficiency, density, and reliability.

Qualified according to JEDEC, the CoolGaN™ BDS 40 V G3 family is ideal for overvoltage protection (OVP) in smartphone USB ports, and also serves as battery disconnect switch in consumer electronics. Compared to traditional Silicon-based solutions, the 40 V GaN bidirectional switch fits in a smaller package, saving valuable PCB space while reducing power losses by more than 50%. In fact, at 25 °C, it achieves 72 mW of power loss savings, with even greater reductions at high temperatures.

With its extremely small WL-CSP packages and typical R_DS(on) values of 4 mΩ, 6 mΩ, and 9 mΩ, this e-mode normally-off bidirectional transistor offers a compelling alternative to back-to-back Si FETs, delivering 50 - 75 percent PCB area savings, reduced power losses, and lower cost.

The CoolGaN™ BDS HV is a game-changing power switch, boasting four active terminals and an additional substrate terminal. Unlike traditional three-terminal unidirectional switches (UDS), the BDS offers four modes of operation: two traditional on/off modes and two diode modes. In these diode modes, the switch can be actively controlled to behave like a diode, blocking voltages in both directions. This unprecedented level of control and flexibility opens up new possibilities for power system design.

The CoolGaN™ MV BDS can actively block voltage and current in both directions. The two modes of operation are bidirectional current flow during ON state, and bidirectional current and voltage blocking during OFF state. The CoolGaN™ MV BDS is a static switch with a merged source in the center that achieves best R_DD(on)*A.