Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC), the world leader in enhancement-mode gallium nitride (eGaN®) power devices announces the launch of the EPC91104, a high-performance 3-phase BLDC motor drive inverter reference design. This innovative design is ideal for powering compact, precision motors in humanoid robots, such as those used for wrist, finger, and toe movements.
“Humanoid robots demand motors with precision and compactness, and the EPC91104 is specifically designed to meet those needs for applications like small joint actuation,” said Alex Lidow, CEO of EPC.
EPC is a developer of enhancement-mode gallium nitride (eGaN) power devices. Founded in 2007, the company said its eGaN technology enables it to advance new applications and industries.
It said silicon has hit its physical limits and, therefore, is no longer able to stay ahead of demand for more and more efficient power. GaN technology offers significant advantages over traditional silicon-based devices, including higher efficiency, faster switching speeds, and smaller size, EPC said.
New board offers efficiency, says EPC
The EPC91104 evaluation board uses the EPC23104 ePower Stage IC, offering a maximum RDS(on) (drain-source on-resistance) of 11 mΩ and supporting DC bus voltages up to 80 V. The design supports up to 14 Apk steady-state and 20 Apk pulsed current, ensuring reliable performance for humanoid robot applications that require fine motor control and precision, said EPC.
Key features of the EPC91104:
- Wide voltage range: Operates between 14 V and 80 V, accommodating a variety of battery systems
- Compact design: Suitable for space-constrained robotics
- Advanced protection: Includes overcurrent and input under-voltage protection, ensuring reliability in demanding applications
- Optimized efficiency: Low-distortion switching reduces torque ripple and motor noise.
The EPC91104 is compatible with controller boards from leading manufacturers, including Microchip, Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, and Renesas, offering engineers flexibility in development. It is equipped with comprehensive sensing and protection features, ensuring rapid prototyping and testing, EPC said.
For higher-current requirements, such as elbow and knee motors in humanoid robots, EPC offers the EPC9176 board in the same family. With enhanced current capacity, the EPC9176 complements the EPC91104 to cover a full range of motor drive applications in robotics, according to EPC.
EPC | epc-co.com
Kirsten Campbell is a Marketing Tornado and junk robot of information. Analytical and creative, she has been in marketing and communications since 2008 and worked with everyone from small businesses to your favorite household names.
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