The Value of Gallium Nitride Technology
The cost of electrical power is a key driver of socioeconomic vitality, as it enables us to improve our quality of life and advance new applications and industries. Silicon has hit its physical limits and, therefore, is no longer able to stay ahead of our demand for more and more efficient power. In order to re-establish momentum a new material is needed.
EPC eGaN Technology – Enabling large new markets and Disrupting traditional silicon markets
The Founding of EPC
EPC was founded in November 2007 by three engineers, with a combined 60 years of experience in advanced power management technology. EPC’s CEO Alex Lidow was the co-inventor of the silicon power MOSFET in the 1970s; and, in addition to holding positions in R&D and manufacturing, was the CEO of International Rectifier for 12 years. Over time it became clear to the founders of EPC that silicon had reached its performance limits, failing to propel innovation forward at the rate to which we had become accustomed.
EPC was founded with the foresight that GaN would be the inevitable successor to silicon in the advancement of power because of its incomparable speed, efficiency, and low cost. In fact, GaN has superior crystal properties that enable a performance advantage over silicon by as much as 1000:1.
Gallium Nitride Transistors Hit the Market
In June 2009, EPC delivered the first commercial enhancement-mode GaN (eGaN®) transistors. These new devices were manufactured in a Taiwanese foundry designed to produce standard silicon integrated circuits creating a mature, efficient, and low cost supply chain, making its GaN transistors extraordinarily reliable and affordable. Today EPC offers more than 100 products that address a $13 Billion market.
GaN Will Crush Silicon
For the first time in 60 years there is a higher performance and lower cost option to silicon…gallium nitride. Today, leading companies the world over work with EPC to enable their next generation technologies with the power of GaN. Companies that leverage GaN can avoid being left behind with aging silicon, drive sales growth, and deliver increasing end-customer value.
EPC CEO Alex Lidow talks to Embedded Computing Design's Alix Paultre at the APEC exhibition in Anaheim, California. The various design-ins shown underscore the advantages GaN-based devices can provide a power system.