Rutronik Application Kit – RAK-GaN for high efficiency motor control and power conversion

The new Rutronik Application Kit “RAK-GaN” is a state-of-the-art platform for evaluating efficient GaN-based motor control and power conversion concepts. As the first compact GaN-based application kit of its kind, it enables developers to evaluate, analyze, and optimize modern high-frequency switching concepts.

The core element is the new PSOC™ Control microcontroller family, based on an Arm® Cortex®-M33, which enables high switching frequencies and powerful control algorithms for motor control and power conversion applications. GaN HEMTs deliver maximum efficiency with minimal switching losses and reduce system costs.

The kit features 48-V motor control and DC-DC power conversion, inrush current protection with LinearFET2, current measurement via TMR sensors, an isolated debug interface, CAN-FD connectivity, and flexible measurement and modification options.

In addition, the kit offers numerous interfaces for development and evaluation, including Hall and encoder interfaces, an isolated debug interface for programming and GUI-based control, and a CAN-FD interface to expand testing capabilities. Its compact size and compatibility with Arduino-based expansion boards also facilitate the integration of additional functions, making the RAK-GaN a versatile platform for modern GaN-based power applications.

At the heart of the system is the Infineon PSOC™ Control C3M5 Digital Power Control Card, featuring a PSOC™ Control microcontroller based on an Arm® Cortex®-M33. The MCU was specifically developed for demanding motor control and power conversion applications and enables the implementation of highly dynamic control algorithms and fast switching frequencies through features such as HRPWM with <100 ps resolution, a 12 MSPS ADC with synchronous sampling, integrated high-speed comparators (<10 ns), and a CORDIC hardware accelerator. This is complemented by a TriggerMux architecture with <1 ns latency, extensive TCPWM functions, energy-efficient low-power modes, as well as integrated security (PSA Level 2) and safety mechanisms (Class B / SIL2).

The GaN HEMTs used enable high-frequency switching with minimal switching losses, thereby contributing to higher system efficiency and a smaller form factor. The kit supports both the control of 48-V 3-phase BLDC motors and DC-DC buck converter applications.

For comprehensive analysis and system validation, the board features hardware-based overcurrent detection, inrush current protection with LinearFET2 technology, and additional current measurement using Infineon TMR sensors. Multiple measurement points and solder jumpers allow for flexible modifications and make it easy to experiment with different system configurations.