There are several applications for brushless DC (BLDC) motors in vehicles including those used for motion control and positioning. The rise in vehicle electrification means that previously mechanically-driven applications such as power steering, transmission actuation, and engine cooling systems are being electrically powered.

Compared to traditional brushed motors, BLDS motors have many advantages:

  • simple maintenance
  • higher durability
  • higher efficiency
  • smaller and lighter construction
  • simpler controlling
  • lower proneness to failure

This makes the BLDC motor more attractive in vehicles where space is limited, and frequent operation is required.

GaN FETs and ICs can further reduce the size and weight of BLDC motors, reduce audible noise, improve torque for faster reaction times, and increase efficiency for extended battery life.

GaN Automotive Motor Drive

Motor Drive Reference Designs

Part
Number
Description VIN IPhase
(ARMS)
fSW
(kHz)
Featured Product
EPC9167 Demonstration Board
EPC9167 20 ARMS 3-Phase BLDC Motor Drive Reference Design Board 14 - 60 20 20 - 250 EPC2065 Buy Now
EPC9176 Demonstration Board
EPC9176 20 ARMS 3-Phase BLDC Motor Drive Reference Design Board 14 - 65 20 20 - 250 EPC23102 Buy Now
EPC9167 Demonstration Board
EPC9167HC 30 ARMS 3-Phase BLDC Motor Drive Reference Design Board 14 - 60 30 20 - 250 EPC2065 Buy Now
EPC9194 Demonstration Board
EPC9194 40 ARMS 3-Phase BLDC Motor Drive Reference Design Board 14 - 65 40 20 - 250 EPC2302 Buy Now
EPC9186 Demonstration Board
EPC9186 150 ARMS 3-Phase BLDC Motor Drive Reference Design Board 14 - 60 150 20 - 120 EPC2302 Buy Now

EPC’s application team is constantly working on new reference designs. If there is a requirement not met by the listed boards, please contact us via Ask a GaN Expert to discuss your application further.

Half-bridge development boards are available for quick evaluation of most eGaN FETs and ICs.

Recommended AEC Devices for Automotive Motor Drive

Part Number Status Configuration VDS
max
VGS
max
max
RDS(on)
(mΩ)
@5VGS
QG
typ
(nC)
QGS
typ
(nC)
QGD
typ
(nC)
QOSS
typ
(nC)
ID (A) Pulsed ID
(A)
Package
(mm)
EPC2214 Active Single AEC 80 6 20 1.8 0.5 0.3 8 10 47 BGA 1.35 x 1.35 Buy Now
EPC2252 Preferred Single AEC 80 6 11 3.5 1 0.5 15 8.2 75 BGA 1.5x1.5 Buy Now
EPC2204A Preferred Single AEC 80 6 6 5.7 1.8 0.8 25 29 125 LGA 2.5 x 1.5 Buy Now
EPC2218A Preferred Single AEC 80 6 3.2 10.5 3.2 1.5 46 60 231 LGA 3.5 x 1.95 Buy Now
EPC2206 Preferred Single AEC 80 6 2.2 15 4.1 3 72 90 390 LGA 6.05 x 2.3 Buy Now
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