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Sharper moves, smaller drives: G‑Pulse and Infineon bring GaN servo control to compact robots

Energy

Robotics OEMs are under pressure to deliver higher speeds, tighter precision and safer human‑robot collaboration—often in smaller mechanical envelopes. G‑Pulse Electronics, a Premium Partner of Infineon and a subsidiary of Intron Technology Holdings, tackles this challenge with a GaN‑based servo motor driver that combines high power density with fine motion control for 48 V systems.

By integrating Infineon’s CoolGaN™ power devices, PSOC™ Control C3 microcontroller and XENSIV™ magnetic current sensing on a single circular board, G‑Pulse turns the motor driver into a compact module that is easy to embed into joints, end‑effectors or mobile platforms. The result is smoother torque, higher efficiency and less thermal overhead, key enablers for agile, next‑generation robots.

Meeting demanding servo dynamics at 48 V / 15 A requires a coordinated approach to power, control and sensing.

  • CoolGaN™ power stage with EiceDRIVER™ gate drivers delivers 100 kHz high‑frequency switching, low current ripple and excellent efficiency, reducing losses and shrinking cooling requirements.
  • PSOC™ Control C3 MCU (Arm® Cortex®‑M33) handles FOC‑based torque, speed and position loops while managing multiple communication interfaces, simplifying system architecture for low‑voltage motor drives.
  • XENSIV™ magnetic current sensor TLI4971 and rotation angle sensors enable precise feedback for servo control, supporting accurate positioning and stable operation even in compact, thermally constrained designs.

This combination gives any OEM a ready‑to‑adapt reference for low‑voltage GaN servo drives that can be tuned quickly to different motors and mechanics.

With its lightweight circular form factor and scalable control, the G‑Pulse GaN servo driver acts as a platform that can be replicated across multiple axes and robot types.

  • Joint‑level servo module (48 V/15 A): A compact board that can be mounted close to the motor to minimize cabling and reduce EMI issues in articulated or SCARA robots.
  • Multi‑axis configurations: Several boards connected over industrial communication interfaces support coordinated motion and synchronized trajectories for robots with many degrees of freedom..

In industrial environments where space and uptime are critical, G‑Pulse targets high‑performance motion in smaller robots and mechanisms.

  • Robotic arms and handling systems: High‑frequency GaN switching and accurate sensing enable tight position control and reduced vibration, supporting pick‑and‑place, assembly and inspection tasks.
  • Modular production cells: The compact servo driver eases integration into small‑footprint cells or collaborative setups where drives must fit inside slim joints and enclosures.

For Automated Guided Vehicle (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMRs) and other mobile platforms, every watt and cubic centimeter counts.

  • Efficient motion for fleets: CoolGaN™‑based stages lower conduction and switching losses, contributing to longer battery life and reduced cooling effort for drive modules.
  • Smooth low‑speed control: PSOC™‑based servo algorithms support precise low‑speed maneuvering and repeatable acceleration profiles—important for safe operation in shared workspaces.
  • Reliable motion feedback: XENSIV™ magnetic current and position sensors monitor motor behavior in real time, supporting stable control, diagnostics and safer operation in mobile robots.

Emerging humanoid and service platforms need actuators that are both powerful and compact to fit into slim, human‑proportioned designs. G‑Pulse’s GaN‑based servo driver is engineered specifically for these low‑voltage, high‑performance joints.

  • High‑torque, compact joints: The circular GaN servo board fits inside limb and torso segments, freeing designers to optimize mechanical layout and appearance without sacrificing torque or control accuracy.
  • Dynamic, natural motion: High switching frequency together with magnetic position and current sensing enables tight control loops, supporting smoother, more human‑like movement and responsive interaction in service and humanoid robots.

Beyond the board itself, G‑Pulse positions as a design and validation partner for customers adopting GaN‑based servo architectures.

Together, G‑Pulse and Infineon offer a focused path for robotics OEMs who want to move quickly to GaN‑based, low‑voltage servo drives, combining advanced semiconductor technology with practical design and validation support.

G-Pulse
G-Pulse
G-Pulse

G-Pulse Electronics is a design and engineering house specializing in high‑performance motor‑control and power‑electronics boards for robotics and industrial applications. As a subsidiary of Intron Technology Holdings, it supports customers from early concept through validation and ramp‑up, providing R&D, testing, and production‑quality management.

Premium Partner
Premium Partner
Premium Partner