The first commercially available reference design to integrate gallium nitride (GaN) IC technology for humanoid robot motor joints

EPC introduces the EPC91118

EPC91118 reference design combines power, sensing, and control in an ultra-compact format for robot joints and UAVs.

Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC), the specialist in enhancement-mode gallium nitride (eGaN) power devices has introduced the EPC91118, which it described as “the first commercially available reference design to integrate gallium nitride (GaN) IC technology for humanoid robot motor joints”. Optimized for space-constrained and weight-sensitive applications such as humanoid limbs and compact drone propulsion, the EPC91118 delivers up to 15 ARMS per phase from a 15 V to 55 V DC input in an ultra-compact circular form factor.

At the heart of the EPC91118 is the EPC23104 ePower Stage IC, a monolithic GaN IC that enables higher switching frequencies and reduced losses. The GaN-based power stage is combined with current sensing, a rotor shaft magnetic encoder, a microcontroller, RS485 communications, and 5 V and 3.3 V power supplies—all on a single board that fits entirely within a 32 mm diameter footprint.

“The EPC91118 is a breakthrough for humanoid robotics, shrinking inverter size by 66% vs. silicon while eliminating electrolytic capacitors—thanks to GaN ICs and high-frequency operation,” said Alex Lidow, CEO and co-founder of EPC.

Key Features of the EPC91118 Evaluation Board:

  • 15 ARMS per phase drive capability for 3-phase BLDC motors
  • Integrated current and voltage sensing with high-resolution encoder for rotor position
  • RS485 protocol support for real-time communication
  • 100 kHz PWM frequency with 50 ns dead time
  • Fully integrated board including controller, sensing, and power conversion
  • MLCC-only DC link reduces size and enhances reliability
  • Dimensions: 32 mm diameter inverter, 55 mm diameter external frame

The design was shaped to fit seamlessly inside humanoid joint motors, enabling low-profile, high-efficiency motion control. The high switching frequency enabled by GaN allows the use of compact multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) rather than bulkier electrolytic capacitors, contributing to a lower profile and higher reliability design.

With a 66% smaller footprint compared to traditional silicon MOSFET implementations, the EPC91118 sets a new standard in motor drive integration for emerging robotics and drone markets, according to EPC.

For detailed technical specifications, schematics, and to request a sample, visit the EPC91118 product page.

Price and Availability

The EPC91118 reference design boards are priced at $394.02

The EPC23104 is priced at $2.69/ea in 3Ku reels.

Reference design boards and devices are available for immediate delivery from Digi-Key at https://www.digikey.com/en/supplier-centers/epc

 epc-co.com

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