Avogy (see 11/13 issue) was founded in 2010 “to revolutionize power electronics with technology solutions utilizing GaN on GaN discrete semiconductor devices, modules, and systems that increase efficiency and reliability of power conversion systems while dramatically reducing their cost, size, and weight.” The company’s vision is “to create the smallest, lightest, most cost-effective power conversion systems in the world.” In Sept. 2014, Avogy closed $40 million in Series B funding led by new investor Intel Capital with participation from existing investor Khosla Ventures.
To reduce the size of SMPS (primarily the inductors and capacitors), high frequency operation is required. However, silicon-based switches can only operate in the 100kHz range. The material properties of GaN allow it to operate at higher voltage and lower currents to further lower conversion losses. The Baliga Figure of Merit (BFOM) of GaN is over 1000x better than Si and nearly 3x better than SiC.
Gallium nitride (GaN) devices can be created on GaN layers that are heteroepitaxially grown on different substrates like silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC) or homoepitaxially grown on GaN substrates. Lattice mismatch between GaN and Si or SiC leads to stress-induced dislocations that alter and degrade the electrical properties of GaN and are the source of lower breakdown voltages and poor reliability.
In the case of GaN-on-GaN, both lattice and CTE are perfectly matched. As a result, very thick layers of GaN can be epitaxially grown on bulk GaN substrates, which enables the fabrication of high breakdown voltage devices. Avogy is focused on developing vertical power semiconductor devices built in homoepitaxial GaN layers formed on bulk GaN substrates. The company has more than 20 patents and 40 patent applications in vertical GaN semiconductor technology, power topology and controllers that enable disruptive innovation in power systems. Avogy has established licensing and supply agreements with multiple GaN substrate vendors.
No other material system currently matches the performance of Avogy’s True GaN technology, according to the company. True GaN technology unlocks the full potential of the superior material properties of GaN as it is based on homoepitaxially grown GaN on GaN substrates. For the same RDSON, the True GaN die size is 4X smaller than GaN-on-Si HEMT for BV=600V and 7X smaller for BV=1200V. The True GaN VJFET has avalanche capability that allows reverse-biased voltage to exceed the maximum BV value for a specified energy and current limitations. The True GaN VJFET also does not suffer from current collapse phenomenon.
Avogy’s resonant circuit topologies and control circuits are designed to achieve lossless switching by fully exploiting the benefits of True GaN technology. The True GaN platform makes it possible to build the smallest, lightest and most efficient power systems, according to the company.
This platform is the foundation of Avogy’s first product, the Zolt Laptop Charger Plus, an ultra-small, super lightweight, 3-in-1 one universal laptop charger. At 4X smaller and 3X lighter than standard laptop chargers Zolt is the world’s smallest, lightest and most efficient laptop charger available. This platform will also be extended to design modules for other stages of power conversion.
Dinesh Ramanathan, Ph.D., President and CEO (previously EVP at Cypress where he managed the Programmable Systems Division and the Data Communications Division)
Poonacha Kongetira, VP, Systems Engineering (previously held senior engineering management positions at Sun Micro, Afara Websystems (acquired by Sun) and Nvidia)
Bert Bruggeman, VP, Global Operations (previously founder and CEO of SVTC Technologies, VP of Solar Wafering Operations at SunEdison, and held senior operations and engineering roles at Cypress and Silicon Light Machines)
Chris Loeper, VP, Global Sales & Marketing (previously led worldwide sales and marketing organizations at Roxio, Rovi and Napster)
Narayanan Karu, VP, Finance (previously VP Finance at Shashi Group, held CFO and VP Finance roles at iSmart Panache, and held Controller positions at Cypress)
Isik Kizilyalli, Ph.D., Founder (previously held technical and mgmt positions at Bell Labs, Agere, Nitronex and Alta Devices)
www.gozolt.com
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