In the ever-evolving world of power electronics, where efficiency, size, and reliability are paramount, EPC is setting a new benchmark with its latest innovation: the EPC2366. This 40 V GaN FET, packaged in an ultra-compact 3.3 by 2.6 millimeter QFN footprint, exemplifies the cutting edge of power semiconductor technology.

During a recent interview conducted by Mike Green, editor of EPDT, Michael De Rooij, GaN Applications Fellow at EPC, highlighted the exceptional performance of the EPC2366. The 40-volt device features a typical on-resistance of just 840 micro-ohms - a combination of efficiency and compactness that, according to De Rooij, silicon simply cannot match.

“There’s no silicon equivalent for this,” he said. “Silicon devices that try to compete are much larger, and even then, they can’t match the performance that the EPC2366 delivers.”

Mike Green, editor of EPDT

>Michael De Rooij, GaN Applications Fellow at EPC

High-Density Server Power Supplies

The EPC2366’s primary application has been in synchronous rectifiers for high-power, high-density server power supplies. De Rooij describes a practical implementation: “We’ve designed an 800-volt to 12.5-volt converter that handles six kilowatts of power using eight 100-volt to 12.5-volt modules in an ISOP configuration - input series, output parallel. Each module leverages the EPC2366 on the output, achieving a total output current of 480 amps. Two FETs are paralleled at each position to manage the current efficiently.”

The compact footprint of these GaN FETs allows for high-density layouts, which is critical in modern server racks where space and power density are increasingly limited. As servers evolve to accommodate high-power CPUs, GPUs, and TPUs - particularly for artificial intelligence workloads - the demands on power conversion are rising sharply. Traditional 48-volt distribution is giving way to direct 800-volt DC feeds, which are then stepped down to 12 volts close to the point of load. Here, the EPC2366’s small size and low on-resistance play a pivotal role in improving overall efficiency and minimizing losses.

Beyond server power, the EPC2366 is also finding applications in motor drives. De Rooij notes, “We are designing a small, three-phase BLDC motor drive that can operate up to 32 volts. While the rectifier application was the main target, these FETs are proving useful in compact motor inverters as well.”

GaN’s inherent advantages, including the absence of reverse recovery, allow inverters to operate at higher switching frequencies. This improves motor efficiency, reduces ripple currents, and ensures smoother sinusoidal excitation, eliminating even-order torque harmonics for quieter, more precise operation.

Motor Drives and High-Frequency Inverters

The EPC2366 is also being used in motor drives. De Rooij described a small, three-phase BLDC motor drive capable of operating up to 32 volts. “While the rectifier was the main target, these FETs are proving useful in compact motor inverters as well,” he said.

Because GaN FETs have no reverse recovery, inverters can operate at higher switching frequencies, improving motor efficiency, reducing ripple currents, and producing smoother sinusoidal excitation. This translates to quieter operation and eliminates even-order torque harmonics, a key benefit in robotics and precision motors.

Applications Across Industries

The EPC2366’s small size and high efficiency open opportunities beyond server power and motor drives. Speaking with De Rooij, he explained how drones, particularly larger industrial and commercial models, benefit from GaN FETs’ reduced weight and higher efficiency. Distributed inverters can be positioned under propeller airflow paths, improving cooling and overall system performance.

Automotive actuators, such as power steering systems, are another area where GaN technology is making inroads. De Rooij also mentioned more specialized applications, including RF amplifiers, wireless power systems, MRI switching, and industrial tools.

“Virtually anywhere you need efficient, compact power conversion, these devices can be applied,” De Rooij told Green.

Reliability as a Differentiator

Reliability is another defining feature of EPC’s devices. De Rooij explained that the latest generation shows remarkable predicted lifetimes. For 100-volt devices, projections jump from 10 years to nearly 190 years. EPC even tests devices on challenging setups, such as 16-layer PCBs, demonstrating superior performance under extreme conditions.

“Many of our customers conduct their own rigorous testing,” he said. “We’ve had clients return after testing competitors’ devices, confirming that our parts outperform others over long-term operation and across temperature ranges. That feedback speaks volumes.”

Roadmap and Supply Chain Strategy

Looking ahead, EPC is expanding its GaN portfolio across a broader voltage spectrum, including 15-volt, 25-volt, and 40-volt devices. The 15-volt devices, for instance, will achieve on-resistances as low as 280 micro-ohms, targeting point-of-load converters and intermediate bus applications.

De Rooij also talked about EPC's supply chain with multiple partners, which includes foundries like Episil and Vanguard for device bumping and QFN packaging. This method lowers the need for single suppliers, which is very important for customers who buy a lot of goods.

Conclusion

It was clear from the interview that the EPC2366 is a big step forward in GaN FET technology. Because it is small, has low on-resistance, and has been shown to be reliable, it is perfect for a wide range of uses, from high-density server power supplies to motor drives, drones, and industrial tools.

“There’s no silicon equivalent for this,” De Rooij concluded in his discussion with Mike. “Silicon devices that try to compete are much larger and can’t match the combination of efficiency and compactness that the EPC2366 delivers.”

With an expanding roadmap, rigorous reliability testing, and a robust supply chain, EPC is positioning itself as a clear leader in next-generation GaN power devices.

Maurizio Di Paolo Emilio, Director of Global Marketing Communications at EPC