GaN Talk Blog

The proliferation of small electric motors in robotics and unmanned aerial systems is creating demand for highly integrated and efficient motor-drive electronics. In the context of humanoid robot joints, robotic hands, and lightweight drone propulsion systems, we require power converters that have a high current density in very limited mechanical space.

This video is a review of the EPC91122, a compact GaN-based three-phase BLDC motor drive inverter optimized for humanoid robot joints and other space-constrained actuators. Built around the EPC33110 co-packaged GaN module, it combines power stage, gate drivers, sensing, control, and communication on a single circular board. With an onboard STM32 microcontroller, magnetic encoder, precise current and voltage sensing, and RS‑485/JTAG interfaces, it delivers high efficiency, fast dynamic response, and robust performance for advanced robotics.

Humanoid robots are designed to mimic human movement and are seeing strong market growth across a wide variety of applications. Motor control forms a key design aspect in robotics, and in this article, we summarize the basic power architecture and the requirements for the power electronics that form the core components, along with examples of solutions available from Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC).

Power Electronics News
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Recent advancements in gallium nitride (GaN) power devices demonstrate a substantial expansion of their operational range into low-voltage applications under 40 V. Silicon MOSFETs have historically dominated this voltage range due to their good conduction performance, well-understood manufacturing processes, and proven reliability.

PCIM Mesago
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Unlock the potential of GaN-based motor drives with our expert guide on dead-time optimization. Boost efficiency, enhance performance, and drive ROI.

With the rapid adoption of gallium nitride transistors and integrated circuits, designers can now accomplish the required headline marketing THD+N performance targets and reduce transient intermodulation distortion to achieve the warm subtleties and color of music intended for the optimal listening experience.

Mobility is a driving factor in all economies. Electro mobility (or e-Mobility) is a clean and impactful way of keeping the gears of commerce grinding without contributing to the environmental stresses of inefficient motors or fossil fuel burning engines that cause damage to our planet. There is an ever-increasing demand for highly efficient and compact motor drive designs. EPC’s GaN-based motor drive reference designs for eMobility applications are in development to jump-start the competitive and environmentally friendly alternatives that support this trend.

With advancements in motor technology, power densities have increased; motors are built in smaller form factors and designed for higher speeds, and higher precision, which requires higher electrical frequencies.

3-phase brushless DC (BLDC) motors are compact for their power ratings, can be precisely controlled, offer high electro-mechanical efficiency, and can operate with minimal vibration when properly controlled. These motors are increasingly or exclusively used in precision applications like servo drives, robotics, such as surgical robots, and drones, such as quadcopters. To keep current ripple within a reasonable range, these motors – given their low inductance – require switching frequencies up to 100kHz. A FET that can operate efficiently at high frequency is required to minimize losses and offset the torque ripple in the motor which creates vibrations, reduces drive precision and decreases efficiency.

Minimal invasive surgery using surgical robots gives unprecedented control to surgeons looking to achieve the next level of precision, thereby reducing risk and trauma to the patient and speeding recovery. Many motors are required to control the various robotic appendages, such as arms, joints, and tool control, that give the surgical robot the required degrees of freedom (DOF) and dexterity to perform extremely delicate tasks. Weight and size of motor control circuitry are thus important factors in the design of such robots as they directly impact the size of the motor that manipulates the robot’s appendages during surgery.

The motor of choice for robotic surgery is the 3-phase brushless DC (BLDC) motor These motors are compact for their power rating, can be precisely controlled, offer high electro-mechanical efficiency, and can operate with minimal vibration when properly controlled. The choice of motor voltage lies in the range of 24 V to 48 V with balancing power conductor thickness and weight with insulation thickness and stiffness for optimum performance and dexterity being the determining factors.