STMicroelectronics EVALMASTERGAN4

Overview

EVALMASTERGAN4 from STMicroelectronics is a half-bridge evaluation board designed to characterize and prototype with the MASTERGAN4 high-power-density GaN driver IC, supporting 600 V operation, on-board programmable deadtime generation, and 3.3 V/50 mA auxiliary supply - used for rapid development of resonant LLC, active clamp flyback, and high-frequency bridge topologies.

For engineers reviewing the EVALMASTERGAN4 datasheet, EVALMASTERGAN4 pinout, EVALMASTERGAN4 application, or EVALMASTERGAN4 equivalent, this board enables fast validation of MASTERGAN4's dual 650 V GaN HEMT switching behavior, GL/GH high-bandwidth gate monitoring, and single-PWM-to-complementary-signal conversion under real high-voltage, high-frequency conditions.

Technical Context

The board implements a complete functional interface for MASTERGAN4, integrating a programmable digital deadtime generator (based on 74LVC1G14/1G17 logic) that converts a single 0–3.3 V/5 V PWM input into independently adjustable LIN/HIN signals with configurable blanking intervals. It supports both direct MCU/DSP drive and on-board signal conditioning.

Thermal design achieves 35°C/W junction-to-ambient resistance on a 56 × 70 mm FR-4 PCB without forced airflow, while dedicated MMCX connectors (CN1/CN2) provide low-inductance, high-bandwidth access to MASTERGAN4's GH and GL gate driver outputs for oscilloscope probing with optically isolated differential probes.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVALMASTERGAN4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-frequency power converter development, GaN-based server PSU design, and resonant topology prototyping requiring stable component supply and rapid hardware iteration.

Supply support for EVALMASTERGAN4 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 ICs with vertical manufacturing capabilities and broad industrial certification coverage.

EVALMASTERGAN4 belongs to ST's MASTERGAN family evaluation platform line, engineered specifically to accelerate adoption of high-voltage GaN half-bridge drivers in high-efficiency, high-density AC-DC and DC-DC converters targeting datacenter, telecom, and industrial power applications.

FAQ

What is the recommended power sequencing for EVALMASTERGAN4?

Apply VCC (4.5–6 V) first to initialize MASTERGAN4 logic and regulators, then apply HV bus voltage to J4 (VS pins). For shutdown, reverse the sequence: disable HV bus first, then remove VCC. This prevents latch-up or undefined gate states during transition.

Can EVALMASTERGAN4 be used with external PWM controllers like TI UCC256xx or Infineon ICE2HS01G?

Yes - LIN and HIN inputs accept 0–3.3 V or 0–5 V logic levels and can be driven directly from external controllers via J3 pins. The on-board deadtime generator is bypassed when R4/R7 jumpers are open, enabling full control over timing and fault handling from the host controller.

Does EVALMASTERGAN4 support peak current mode control?

Yes - it includes a shorted sense resistor (R15 = 0 Ω) on the MASTERGAN4 SENSE pins and provides accessible LS_S terminals (J6) to connect an external low-side shunt. This allows implementation of peak current limiting and slope compensation in resonant or hard-switched topologies.

What is the maximum safe operating voltage on the HV input terminals (J4)?

J4 connects directly to MASTERGAN4's VS pins and is rated for up to 520 V DC per ST's MASTERGAN4 specification. Operation beyond 520 V risks exceeding the device's absolute maximum rating and may cause irreversible failure - use only within the 600 V-rated capability margin defined in DB4430.