Highlights

  • Enphase and Infineon announce 900 V GaN bidirectional switches.
  • Enphase integrates the devices into IQ SST development builds.
  • The design aims to reduce converter and switch counts.
  • The companies expect production qualification to follow testing.

Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENPH) is advancing its solid-state transformer platform for AI data centres with a new 900-volt gallium nitride bidirectional switching device developed with Infineon Technologies. The companies have announced successful testing of the devices, which are now being integrated into Enphase IQ Solid-State Transformer development builds. The technology extends GaN switching beyond the 650-volt level already used in power electronics.

Higher Voltage Changes the Power Architecture

The 900 V GaN bidirectional switches are designed to operate within components rated below 1 kilovolt while supporting high-frequency power conversion. Enphase says the approach could allow fewer inverters connected in series to handle medium-voltage inputs.

A lower switch count and fewer components in the power path are expected to reduce system-level losses and potential failure points. High-frequency switching also allows smaller transformers and other magnetic components, which can reduce size, weight and cost.

AI Data Centers Drive the Design Focus

The devices are intended for the Enphase IQ Solid-State Transformer platform, which targets AI data centre power infrastructure. The architecture aims to address power density, efficiency and uptime requirements in megawatt-class systems.

The technology also supports power generation at a unipolar 800-volt DC bus rather than split positive and negative 400-volt buses. Enphase describes a possible path to future 1,500-volt DC architectures using split 750-volt generation with fewer switches and lower bridge losses.

Existing GaN Experience Supports Development

Enphase has worked on GaN power conversion internally for more than a decade. Its IQ9 microinverters already use GaN HEMT technology in the field, while Infineon contributes device technology and engineering expertise.

The companies also expect the higher-voltage switches to benefit commercial solar inverter designs, including 480-volt three-phase applications in the United States and 400-volt applications elsewhere. The devices have passed testing and entered development integration; production qualification is still expected to follow.