STMicroelectronics EVALMASTERGAN5

Overview

EVALMASTERGAN5 from STMicroelectronics is a half-bridge evaluation board built around the MASTERGAN5 integrated high-voltage GaN driver, supporting up to 600 V operation. It integrates an on-board programmable deadtime generator, 3.3 V linear regulator (50 mA), high-frequency MMCX monitoring points for GH/GL pins, and configurable input routing for single-PWM or complementary signal drive - enabling rapid prototyping of resonant converters and LLC topologies.

For engineers reviewing the EVALMASTERGAN5 datasheet, EVALMASTERGAN5 pinout, EVALMASTERGAN5 application, or EVALMASTERGAN5 equivalent, this board provides direct access to all MASTERGAN5 signals (LIN/HIN/SD/BOOT/OUT/VS/SENSE), supports flexible power sequencing (VCC before HV), and enables thermal evaluation at 35°C/W junction-to-ambient without forced airflow - critical for high-density GaN-based SMPS development.

Technical Context

The board implements a dual-path signal architecture: one path routes external PWM through a Schmitt-trigger buffer (U1/U2) and programmable deadtime logic (U3 inverter + RC network) to generate complementary HIN/LIN with independently adjustable delays; the other allows direct injection of pre-complementary signals via J3. The MASTERGAN5's integrated 650 V GaN HEMTs are fully accessible via screw terminals (J4/J5) and sense connections (J6).

Power delivery includes dual VCC supply options (screw terminal J12 or pin strip J2), on-board KF33BD-TR 3.3 V regulator for logic circuitry, and dedicated high-voltage bulk capacitor footprints. Thermal design uses FR-4 PCB (56 × 70 mm) achieving 35°C/W R_th(J-A), validated per DB4463 Rev 1 without forced cooling.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVALMASTERGAN5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-efficiency AC-DC adapters, resonant LLC converters, and GaN-based server PSU development requiring stable component supply and fast-turn evaluation capability.

Supply support for EVALMASTERGAN5 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, MEMS, and automotive-grade ICs with vertical manufacturing capabilities.

EVALMASTERGAN5 belongs to ST's MASTERGAN family evaluation platform line, designed specifically to accelerate development of high-power-density, high-frequency GaN-based switching topologies - including totem-pole PFC, LLC resonant converters, and isolated DC-DC stages.

FAQ

What input signal configurations does EVALMASTERGAN5 support?

EVALMASTERGAN5 supports two primary input modes: single PWM signal fed to J2 pin 7 (processed by on-board deadtime generator to produce complementary HIN/LIN), or direct complementary signals applied to J3 pins 1 (HIN) and 4 (LIN). Jumpers R4/R7 determine routing - closed for deadtime-generated mode, open for direct injection - with input voltage tolerance up to 20 V for LIN/HIN.

How is high-voltage gate monitoring implemented on this board?

High-bandwidth gate monitoring is achieved via dedicated MMCX connectors CN1 (GH) and CN2 (GL), each wired directly to the corresponding MASTERGAN5 output pins. These interfaces are optimized for use with high-voltage differential probes - optical isolation is recommended - enabling accurate measurement of fast-switching GaN gate waveforms above 100 MHz bandwidth without loading effects.

Can the 3.3 V regulator power external microcontrollers reliably?

Yes - the on-board KF33BD-TR LDO delivers a stable 3.3 V ±2% output with up to 50 mA continuous current, sufficient to power low-power MCUs, FPGAs, or level-shifting logic. It features inhibit control (INH pin), low dropout (<300 mV), and thermal shutdown, making it suitable for auxiliary logic supply in GaN evaluation setups without requiring external regulation.

What customization options are available for adapting EVALMASTERGAN5 to final applications?

The board includes spare footprints for low-side shunt resistors (R15 jumpered by default), external bootstrap diodes (D1/D2 positions), high-voltage bulk capacitors (C28/C29), and separate VCC/PVCC/BOOT supply routing. These allow reconfiguration for peak-current-mode control, enhanced thermal management, or integration with custom gate-drive timing circuits - all while retaining full access to MASTERGAN5's 32-pin QFN package signals.