STMicroelectronics EVALMASTERGAN3

Overview

EVALMASTERGAN3 from STMicroelectronics is a half-bridge evaluation board built around the MASTERGAN3 integrated GaN driver and 650 V eGaN HEMTs, rated for 600 V operation, featuring on-board deadtime generation, 3.3 V/50 mA linear regulator, and high-frequency GL/GH monitoring via MMCX connectors - used for rapid prototyping of resonant converters, LLC, and active clamp flyback topologies.

For engineers reviewing the EVALMASTERGAN3 datasheet, EVALMASTERGAN3 pinout, EVALMASTERGAN3 application, or EVALMASTERGAN3 equivalent, this board supports single-PWM-to-complementary-signal conversion with independently adjustable deadtimes, provides accessible MASTERGAN3 signals (LIN/HIN/OUT/GL/GH/SD), and enables thermal evaluation at 35°C/W junction-to-ambient without forced airflow.

Technical Context

The board implements a programmable digital deadtime generator using three 74LVC1G17W5 buffers and one 74LVC1G14W5 inverter to convert a single PWM input into dual complementary LIN/HIN signals with user-adjustable delays via trimmer potentiometers TR1 and TR2. It supplies MASTERGAN3 with a dedicated 4.5–6 V VCC rail and supports both internal deadtime-generated and external direct logic-level (≤20 V) gate drive inputs.

Thermal design uses a 56 × 70 mm FR-4 PCB with optimized copper pour and thermal vias, achieving 35°C/W R_th(J-A); high-bandwidth signal monitoring is enabled through CN1 (GH) and CN2 (GL) MMCX connectors, compatible with optically isolated differential probes. The board includes configurable jumpers (R4/R7) and spare footprints for bootstrap diodes, low-side shunt resistors, and bulk HV capacitors.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVALMASTERGAN3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-frequency resonant converter development, GaN-based server PSU design, and industrial AC-DC front-end evaluation requiring stable component supply and fast-turn prototyping capability.

Supply support for EVALMASTERGAN3 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power devices, sensors, and analog ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

EVALMASTERGAN3 belongs to ST's MASTERGAN family of integrated GaN half-bridge drivers - engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of high-efficiency, high-density 650 V GaN power stages in SMPS, EV chargers, and telecom rectifiers.

FAQ

What input voltage range is required to power the EVALMASTERGAN3 board?

The board requires a 4.5 V to 6 V DC supply applied either to screw terminal J12 or pin 1 of header J2. This VCC rail powers the MASTERGAN3 logic, deadtime generator ICs, and the KF33BD-TR 3.3 V regulator. Exceeding 6 V may damage onboard logic components or violate MASTERGAN3 VCC absolute maximum ratings.

Can I drive MASTERGAN3 directly with an external MCU without using the on-board deadtime generator?

Yes - by opening jumpers R4 and R7, the LIN and HIN inputs are disconnected from the deadtime generator and routed directly to J3 pins 1 and 4, accepting logic-level signals up to 20 V. This allows direct control from DSPs, FPGAs, or MCUs with complementary PWM outputs, bypassing the on-board delay circuitry entirely.

What is the purpose of the CN1 and CN2 MMCX connectors?

CN1 and CN2 provide direct access to MASTERGAN3's GH (high-side gate) and GL (low-side gate) pins with minimal parasitic inductance. They are designed for use with high-bandwidth, high-voltage differential probes - especially optically isolated models - enabling accurate measurement of gate-drive waveforms and cross-conduction analysis under real switching conditions.

Does the board support peak-current-mode control?

Yes - J6 (SENSE pins) connects to MASTERGAN3's current-sense inputs and is pre-configured with a 0 Ω jumper (R15) for shunt-based sensing. Users can replace R15 with a precision low-side shunt resistor and route its differential output to external current-mode controller ICs, enabling implementation of peak-current-mode LLC or flyback designs.