Editorial Team - everything PE
Mar 14, 2023
The main difference between Direct drive D-mode GaN transistors and eGaN transistors is their operating mode. Direct drive D-mode GaN transistors operate in depletion mode, which means they require a negative voltage at the gate to turn them off, while eGaN transistors operate in enhancement mode, which means they require a positive voltage at the gate to turn them on. This difference affects their gate drive requirements, power handling capability, and ease of use in different applications.
Another difference between Direct drive D-mode GaN transistors and eGaN transistors is their fabrication process. Direct drive D-mode GaN transistors are fabricated using a process that involves etching trenches in the device structure to create the gate region, while eGaN transistors are fabricated using a process that involves depositing a layer of metal on top of the device structure to create the gate region. This difference affects the size, complexity, and cost of manufacturing the transistors.
In terms of performance, both Direct drive D-mode GaN transistors and eGaN transistors offer high switching speed, high-frequency operation, and high efficiency. However, Direct drive D-mode GaN transistors have lower gate charge and output capacitance, which makes them suitable for high-frequency and high-power applications. eGaN transistors, on the other hand, have higher output capacitance, which makes them suitable for applications that require high voltage swings and high output currents.
The above differences can be summarized in the table below:
Parameters
Direct drive D-mode GaN Transistors
eGaN Transistors
Operation Mode
Depletion-mode
Enhancement-mode
Voltage Range
High Voltage of over 650 V
Low Voltage of less than 200 V
Switching Speed
Fast
Switching Losses
Lower
Higher
Efficiency
Cost
Application
High-power applications such as motor drives, power supplies, and inverters
High-frequency applications such as power amplifiers, RF switches, and wireless communication systems
Click here to learn more about Direct drive D-mode GaN Transistors.
Click here to learn more about eGaN Transistors.
Click here to learn more about GaN Transistors featured on everything PE.
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