Gallium Nitride (GaN) power devices offer unique potential to achieve lower switching losses, higher energy efficiency, and superior power density than conventional silicon-based devices. As true for every power device, adequate gate driving is key to fully utilizing its intrinsic capabilities. Yet, GaN high switching speed, fragile gate stack, and relatively low threshold voltage require dedicated and optimized driving solutions.
The Smart-DriveTM technology introduced by Novawave stands for best-in-class performance at affordable cost, achieved by uncompromised co-development of power devices, dedicated gate drivers, and advanced packages.
While fundamental components of our SiP Smart-GaNTM technology, NovaWave’s stand-alone gate drivers are also available to the open market to help customers take full advantage of the incredible performance of GaN devices. These gate drivers are widely scalable to application requirements by adjustable turn-on and turn-off gate voltages, turn-on gate current level, and drain fault current threshold. In addition, our drivers comprise several features to fully protect the GaN device and maximize its efficiency. These include adjustable lossless current sensing, low supply current consumption in standby mode, under-voltage lockout, over-temperature protection, and a regulated 5V power supply available to external application circuitry. Thanks to the high flexibility and high integration level, the failure rate is dramatically reduced while the enhanced features set and the highly integrated solution help to minimize the cost and complexity of the overall system.
Protection
NovaWave Smart-DriveTM technology offers full system protection including over-current and short circuit, over-temperature, ESD, and latch-up and dV/dt immunity at a minimum component count.
Ease of Use
NovaWave Smart-DriveTM devices integrate the full feature set required to safely operate GaN power devices. A rich feature set and high flexibility enable reducing system complexity and cost.
High Performance
NovaWave Smart-DriveTM devices help to discover the full potential of a wide range of GaN power devices through exceptional high-speed operation capability, wide application flexibility, and complete protection.