With the advent of wide bandgap semiconductors, power devices made from gallium nitride (GaN) are revolutionizing high-efficiency power systems, where they offer higher switching frequencies, lower losses, and smaller footprints compared to traditional silicon MOSFET motors.
However, to fully exploit these advantages, the layout of the printed circuit board must be optimized for GaN motor circuits. Improper layout can lead to increased electromagnetic interference (EMI), voltage overshoot, and unstable switching behavior.
In this article, we will introduce a basic PCB design strategy for GaN motors and explain how to purchase reliable GaN system components from DRex Electronics.
📈 Why GaN motors need special PCB design
GaN FETs provideexcellent speed – up to 100 times faster than silicon MOSFETs. However, this speed makes them more sensitive to the following factors:
- parasitic magnetization
- reflection
- high dV/dt
- EMI and interference
This means that PCB design technology for traditional silicon motorswill not suffice.
Target industries include:
- automotive motors and laser radars
- power conversion in telecommunications centers and data centers
- aerospace systems
- fast chargers for consumer electronics
🔎 Need GaN motor circuits, gate control circuits, or complementary passive components? Visit the DRex product catalog to get purchasing options from top suppliers such as Texas Instruments, Infineon, and Navitas.
⚙️ Basic PCB design strategies for GaN control circuits
✅ 1. Reduce induction in the gate control loop
Importance:
High-speed switching can cause resonance and voltage overshoot due to the length of the gate control loop or high inductive reactance.
Design recommendations:
- Place the GaN FET close to the control IC
- Use an integrated gate loop and maintain trace spacing
- Use a solid ground plane under the gate control circuit
📘 Further information: TI GaN Motor Design Guide (external link)
✅ 2. Using Kelvin connection to achieve source feedback
What is Kelvin connection?
Kelvin connection separates the return path of the power supply and the signal source.
Its significance:
Reduces ground bounce and malfunction, especially during high-current switching.
How to implement:
- Connect the motor feedback source separately
- Maintain electrical isolation between the power path and the signal path in the PCB layout
🔗 DRex Electronics offers low-inductance gates and GaN-compatible motors that are suitable for precision designs.
✅ 3. Implementing the correct power supply connection
The power supply (GaN FET, inductive coil, and capacitor) must be integrated and as short as possible to minimize induction.
Best practices:
- Use a four-layer board with a dedicated power supply and level
- Create a compact circuit area for the high-frequency switching circuit
- Select ceramic capacitors with low ESR and place them close to the GaN switch
Tip: Design in a loop shape – reduce the loop area of the power line and gate line to a minimum.
✅ 4. Improved heat management
Despite the high efficiency of GaN devices, they generate heat under high loads.
Thermal design guidelines:
- Use heat vents under the GaN cover
- Use copper-filled areas for heat dissipation
- If the device is mounted on a heat sink, consider using a thermal interface material (TIM)
📦 Purchase thermal interfaces, heat sinks, and power supplies from DRex for heat management in GaN devices.
✅ 5. Reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and serial interference
Due to their high dV/dt switching characteristics, GaN circuits are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
EMI management strategies:
- Use differential signal connections whenever possible
- Use shielded connections and protective ground connections
- Add ferrite beads or common mode chokes to the input/output phase
- Ensure backflow continuity
🛠️ Need components to suppress EMI? DRex offers inductive coils, chokes, and ferrite beads from leading manufacturers.
📋 Factors to consider in the bill of materials (BOM) for GaN-based power designs
Best practices for components
IC gate driver Select a model with a resistance greater than 100 V/ns dV/dt
GaN FET Select a model suitable for the switching frequency according to Vds, Rds(on) and Qg
Capacitor Use MLCC with low ESR and temperature stability
Inductor Select a protected type with low power loss
Control unit/MCU Select a DSP or SoC with fast PWM generation and fault handling capabilities
🔗 DRex offers a wide range of GaN circuits, microcontrollers, and analog front-end devices – all products are ISO 9001 certified and can be shipped worldwide.
🏭 Applications that require GaN precision
⚡ DC-DC converter
Highly efficient converters suitable for electric vehicles, solar inverters, and aviation systems.
🚗 Car chargers and laser radars for automobiles
GaN enables the design of compact and lightweight charging systems and radars.
🛰️ Satellite power systems
High switching frequency + low loss = smaller size and weight – these are the basic requirements for orbital systems.
→ Discover DRex Electronics components designed for the automotive and aerospace industries.
🌍 Why engineers and original equipment manufacturers choose DRex for their GaN designs
At DRex Electronics, we offer engineers and supply chain teams the following:
- ✅ Original traceable components from brands such as TI, Infineon, Navitas, Nexperia and more
- 🚀 Fast global logistics supporting critical GaN systems
- 🧠 Professional advice on purchasing decisions based on planning
- 📦 ISO 9001-certified processing, suitable for high-reliability environments
📌 Summary: Key points of PCB design for GaN motors
Design area strategy
Gate loop: keep dimensions small and lengths short; prevent parasitic effects
Signal return path: use Kelvin connections
Power supply circuit: minimize circuit area and improve high-frequency current
Thermal design: use copper fillers, holes, and cooling structures
Electromagnetic interference control: use of shielding, proper grounding, and filtering
When using GaN, layout design is just as important as the components themselves. A good PCB design ensures that the final product will be efficient, reliable, and EMC-compliant.
🛒 Need help purchasing GaN components?
→ Discover GaN-compatible DRex motors and power ICs
→ Contact us for planning and purchasing support
Make DRex Electronics your strategic partner for purchasing next-generation GaN systems.
