STMicroelectronics EVALMASTERGAN2

Overview

EVALMASTERGAN2 from STMicroelectronics is a half-bridge evaluation board designed to characterize and prototype with the MASTERGAN2 integrated high-voltage GaN driver, supporting up to 600 V DC bus operation, featuring an on-board programmable deadtime generator, 3.3 V/50 mA linear regulator, and high-bandwidth GH/GL monitoring via MMCX connectors.

For engineers reviewing the EVALMASTERGAN2 datasheet, EVALMASTERGAN2 pinout, EVALMASTERGAN2 application, or EVALMASTERGAN2 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of resonant topologies (LLC, Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge), peak-current-mode control using low-side shunt, bootstrap optimization, and GaN gate-drive timing integrity under real high-dV/dt conditions.

Technical Context

The board implements a dual-path signal conditioning architecture: one path routes external PWM/SD signals through Schmitt-trigger buffers (U1–U4) and an inverter (U3) to generate complementary HIN/LIN with user-adjustable deadtime via trimmer potentiometers (TR1/TR2); the other allows direct injection into MASTERGAN2's LIN/HIN pins via jumpers R4/R7.

Thermal performance is defined by a 35°C/W junction-to-ambient resistance on a 56 × 70 mm FR-4 PCB without forced airflow, while high-frequency probing capability is enabled by dedicated MMCX connectors (CN1/CN2) tied directly to MASTERGAN2's GH and GL pins for >100 MHz gate-loop measurement.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVALMASTERGAN2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LLC resonant converters, phase-shifted full-bridge designs, and GaN-based active clamp flyback topologies requiring stable component supply and fast-turn prototyping support.

Supply support for EVALMASTERGAN2 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in power management, analog, microcontrollers, and automotive-grade silicon solutions.

EVALMASTERGAN2 belongs to ST's GaN ecosystem development platform, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of high-efficiency, high-frequency power conversion using integrated GaN half-bridge drivers like MASTERGAN2.

FAQ

What input voltage range is required for VCC on EVALMASTERGAN2?

The board requires a single VCC supply between 4.5 V and 6 V, delivered either via screw terminal J12 or pin header J2. This powers both the deadtime generator circuitry and MASTERGAN2's internal logic rails; exceeding 6 V risks damage to the 74LVC logic family and MASTERGAN2's VCC pin.

Can EVALMASTERGAN2 be used with external gate drivers instead of MASTERGAN2?

No - EVALMASTERGAN2 is a purpose-built evaluation platform for the MASTERGAN2 IC only. Its layout, routing, thermal design, and component selection (e.g., bootstrap capacitor C28, sense resistor R15, GH/GL probe paths) are optimized exclusively for MASTERGAN2's pinout, drive strength, and GaN-specific timing requirements.

How is deadtime adjusted on EVALMASTERGAN2?

Deadtime is set using two surface-mount trimmer potentiometers (TR1 and TR2, 1KΩ, 12-turn) located near U3/U4. TR1 controls high-side deadtime, TR2 controls low-side deadtime; adjustment is performed while monitoring HIN_B and LIN_B outputs on J2 pins 4–5 with an oscilloscope during PWM input.

Does EVALMASTERGAN2 support peak-current-mode control?

Yes - the board includes a spare footprint (R15) for a low-side shunt resistor and dedicated SENSE pin connections (J6) routed to MASTERGAN2's current-sense inputs, enabling implementation of peak-current-mode control in resonant or hard-switched topologies with proper external compensation.