UM90010
Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

User manual

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge
evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

Abstract:

The NX-HB-GAN041UL evaluation board is a half-bridge converter circuit using Nexperia power
GaN FETs GAN041-650WSB.

Keywords:

GaN FET, half-bridge, converter, evaluation board

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

1. EVALUATION BOARD TERMS OF USE
The use of the Evaluation Board is subject to the Evaluation Board Terms of Use, which you canfind here. By using this Evaluation Board, you accept these terms.

2. High Voltage Safety Precautions
Read all safety precautions before use!
Please note that this document covers only the NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW half-bridge evaluation
board and its functions. For additional information, please refer to the Product Specification
To ensure safe operation, please carefully read all precautions before handling the evaluation
board. Depending on the configuration of the board and voltages used, potentially lethal voltages
may be generated. Therefore, please make sure to read and observe all safety precautions
described below.
Before Use:
It is recommended that ALL operation and testing of the evaluation board is performed with theboard enclosed within a non-conductive enclosure that prevents the High Voltage supply to be
switched whilst open and accessible; see Fig. 1.

Fig. 1.

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

Example of a safety enclosure in the Nexperia lab

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

2 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB
All probes should be position before turning on the High Voltage and should be held in place using
a suitable probe positioner e.g. PMK MSA100; see Fig. 2.

Fig. 2.

Example of a probe positioner

Always use an oscilloscope with protective earth connected.
When probing High Voltage, ensure that the probes have the correct voltage rating / limit.
Ensure that all scope probes are compensated and de-skewed before use, refer to youroscilloscope or probe manual for instructions on how to do this.
If possible, have a visual indicator of High Voltage located close to the evaluation board (LED bargraph or voltmeter) To show when the Bus Voltage (Vbus) and Outputs are at dangerous levels.
Verify that none of the parts or components are damaged or missing.
Check that there are no conductive foreign objects on the board.
If any soldering or modifications are made or carried out, then please ensure that this is done
carefully so that solder splashes and debris are not created. Clean the board with Iso-propylalcohol and allow it to dry.
Ensure that there is no condensation or moisture droplets on the circuit board, all testing should be
carried out within a dry environment without excessive humidity.
If used under conditions beyond the rated voltage and current specification, this may cause
defects, failure and or permanent damage.
NEVER handle the evaluation board during operation under ANY circumstances
After use the Nexperia Evaluation Board contains components which may store high voltage andwill take time to discharge. Carefully probe the evaluation board once the power has been removed
to check that all capacitors have been discharged. You must do this without touching the board
except for the multimeter probes that are being used to check.
This evaluation board is intended for use only in High Voltage Lab environments and should
be handled only by qualified personnel familiar with all safety and operating procedures. We
recommend carrying out operation and testing in a safe environment that includes restricted accessonly to trained personnel, the use of High Voltage signage at all entrances, safety interlocks andemergency stops and HV insulated flooring.
It should be noted that this evaluation board is intended to be used ONLY for evaluation purposesand should not be used by consumers or designed into consumer equipment in its current form.

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

3 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

3. Introduction
The NX-HB-GAN041UL GAN041-650WSB half-bridge evaluation board provides the elementsof a simple buck or boost converter. This enables the basic study of the switching characteristics
and efficiency achievable with Nexperia’s 650 V GaN FETs. The circuit can be configured forsynchronous rectification, in either buck or boost mode. Selection jumpers allow the use of a single
logic input or separate high / low level inputs. The high-voltage input and output can operate at up
to 400 V DC, with a power output of up to 3.5 kW. The inductor provided is intended for efficient
operation at 100 kHz, however, other inductors and frequencies may be used.
The NX-HB-GAN041UL-KIT is for evaluation purposes only.

Fig. 3.

NX-HB-GAN041UL GAN041-650WSB half-bridge evaluation board

3.1. Quick reference information
Table 1. NX-HB-GAN041UL Input/Output specifications
Parameter
High-voltage input/output

400 VDC max

Auxiliary supply (J1)

10 V min, 18 V max

Logic inputs

nominal 0-5 V•

for the pulse-generation circuit

Vlo < 1.5 V, Vhi > 3.0 V•

for direct connection to gate driver

Vlo < 0.8 V, Vhi > 2.0 V

SMA coaxial connectors

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

Switching frequency

configuration dependent•

lower limit

determined by peak inductor current•

upper limit

determined by desired dead time and power
dissipation

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

4 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSBPower dissipation in the GaN FETs is limited by maximum junction temperature. Refer to the
GAN041-650WSB data sheet.

4. Warnings
This demo board is intended to demonstrate GaN FET technology. While it provides the mainfeatures of a half-bridge converter, it is not intended to be a finished product and does not have all
the protection features found in commercial power supplies.
There is no specific protection against over-current or over-voltage on this board.
If the on-board pulse generation circuit is used in boost mode, a zero input corresponds to 100%
duty cycle for the active low-side switch.

5. Circuit description
The circuit comprises a simple half-bridge featuring two GAN041-650WSB GaN FETs, as indicatedin the block diagram of Fig. 4. Two high-voltage ports are provided which can serve as either input
or output, depending on the configuration: boost or buck. In either case one GaN FET acts as
the active power switch while the other carries the freewheeling current. The latter device may
be enhanced, as a synchronous rectifier, or not. With GaN FETs the reverse recovery charge is
low and there is no need for additional freewheeling diodes. Two input connectors are provided
which can be connected to sources of logic-level command signals for the hi/lo gate driver. Bothinputs may be driven by off-board signal sources, or alternatively, a single signal source may beconnected to an on-board pulse-generator circuit which generates the two non-overlapping pulses.
Jumpers determine how the input signals are used.
An inductor is provided as a starting point for investigation. This is a 330 μH toroid intended todemonstrate a reasonable compromise between size and efficiency for power up to 3.5 kW at aswitching frequency of 100 kHz.
+HVDC

+HVDC

PULSE-GEN
CIRCUIT
HI/LO
GATE
DRIVER

logic-level inputs

high voltage
buck input/
boost output

GAN041-650WSB

GAN041-650WSB

high voltage
buck output/
boost input
aaa-034006

Fig. 4.

Functional Block Diagram

6. Configuration
Fig. 5 shows the basic power connections for buck and boost modes. For buck mode, the HVdc
input (terminals J2, J3) is connected to the high-voltage supply and the output is taken fromterminals J5 and J7. For boost mode the connections are reversed.
Note that in boost mode a load must be connected. The load current affects the output voltage up
to the transition from DCM to CCM. In buck mode the load may be an open circuit. In the lattercase – buck mode, no load – the ripple current in the inductor is symmetric about zero, and the soft
switching behavior of the GaN FETs may be studied.

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

5 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB
+HVDC
J2

+HVDC
J3

duty cycle = D

Vin

Vin\

HI/LO
GATE
DRIVER

GAN041-650WSB

GAN041-650WSB+-

high voltage
input

J5

Vout = D·HVDC

load
J7

aaa-034007(a) Buck Mode; See Fig. 6 regarding the complementary input
+HVDC
J2

+HVDC

Vout = Vs/(1-D)

load
J3

Vin\
duty cycle = D

HI/LO
GATE
DRIVER

GAN041-650WSB

J5

GAN041-650WSB
J7

Vin

+
-

Vs
high voltage
input

aaa-034008(b) Boost Mode; See Fig. 6 regarding the complementary input
Fig. 5.

Supply and load connections for Buck (a) and Boost (b) configurations

Fig. 6 shows possible configurations for the gate-drive signals. In Fig. 6. (a) a single input from anexternal signal source is used together with the on-board pulse generation circuit. J4 is used, J6 isleft open circuit. Jumpers JP1 and JP2 are in the top position, as shown. If the high-side transistor
is to be the active switch (e.g. buck mode), then the duty cycle of the input source should simply
be set to the desired duty cycle (D). If the low-side transistor is to be the active switch (e.g. boostmode) the duty cycle of the input source should be set to (1-D), where D is the desired duty cycleof the low-side switch. This configuration results in synchronous rectification. If it is desired to let
the device carrying the freewheeling current act as a diode, then the appropriate jumper shouldbe placed so that the pull-down resistor is connected to the driver. Fig. 6. (b) shows a buck-mode
configuration where the low-side device is not enhanced. Finally, Fig. 6. (c) shows use of two
external signal sources as inputs to the gate driver.
For any configuration an auxiliary supply voltage of 10 V-18 V must be supplied at connector J1.
Pull-down resistors R5 and R6 have a value of 4.99 kΩ. If a 50 Ω signal source is used and50 Ω termination is desired, then R5 and R6 may be replaced (or paralleled) with 1206 size 50 Ω
resistors.
For SI827x series:••

JP3 PIN2 is shorted to JP3 PIN3 to enable SI827x
R7 is optional for DT function

For SI823x series:••

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

JP3 PIN2 is shorted to JP3 PIN1 to enable Si823x
R7 is optional for DT function

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

6 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSBPULSE-GEN
CIRCUIT+HVDC
JP1
GAN041-650WSB

J4

HI/LO
GATE
DRIVER

1
JP2

Vin

GAN041-650WSB

J6

1

aaa-034009

(a)
+HVDC

PULSE-GEN
CIRCUIT

GAN041-650WSB

J4

HI/LO
GATE
DRIVER

1
JP1

Vin

0

J6

GAN041-650WSB

1
JP2
aaa-034010

(b)
+HVDC

PULSE-GEN
CIRCUIT

GAN041-650WSB

J4

1
JP1

Vin

GAN041-650WSB

J6
Vin\

HI/LO
GATE
DRIVERJP2

1

aaa-034011(c)Fig. 6.

Input configurations. (a) using a single source for either buck or boost mode (b)buck mode without synchronous rectification (c) using two signal sources

Caution: If the on-board pulse-generation circuit is used for boost mode, be aware that a steadystate zero input (or disconnected signal source) will result in the low-side FET being turnedon continuously. Ensure that high voltage is not applied to J5 until the input is switching. Thisconfiguration results in synchronous rectification. If it is desired to let the device carrying thefreewheeling current act as a diode, then the appropriate jumper should be placed so that thepulldown resistor is connected to the driver. Fig 6(b) shows a buck-mode configuration where thelowside device is not enhanced. Finally, Fig 6(c) shows use of two external signal sources as inputs
to the gate driver.

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

7 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

7. Design details
For this evaluation board, the half-bridge converter circuit has been implemented on a 4-layer PCB
and uses two Nexperia GAN041-650WSB GaN FETs
The circuit schematic, PCB layout and bill of materials for the NX-HB-GAN041UL evaluation board
are shown in the next sections.

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

8 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

7.1. NX-HB-GAN041UL schematic

U3

74LVC1G17GW
SOT353-1 Nexperia

U5

74HCT1G86GW SOT353-1 Nexperia
U4

74HCT1G86GW SOT353-1 Nexperia

74HCT1G86GW

Fig. 7.

74HCT1G86GW

74LVC1G17GW

Schematic

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

9 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

7.2. NX-HB-GAN041UL_0V1 PCB Layout

Fig. 8.

PCB top and bottom layers

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

10 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

Fig. 9.

PCB inner layer 2, ground plane

Fig. 10. PCB inner layer 3, power plane

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

11 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

7.3. NX-HB-GAN041UL_0V1 evaluation board Bill of Materials (BOM)
Table 2. NX-HB-GAN041UL_0V1 Bill of Materials
Designator
Value
Footprint

Qty

Voltagerating

C1

22uF

C1206

1

35V

10%

C2

1uF

C0805

1

50V

10%

C3

2.2uF

C0805

1

50V

10%

C4, C5, C6, C33, C34,
C35

10nF

C1206

6

1kV

10%

C7

100nF

C1812

1

1kV

10%

C8, C16, C17, C30,
C31, C32

100nF

C2225K

6

1kV

10%

C9, C18, C26, C27,
C28, C29

2.2uF

PHE450_2UF

6

450V

C10, C11, C12, C14,
C20, C21, C22

100nF

C0603

7

C13, C15

10uF

C0805

C19

100pF

C23
C24, C25

ACS
Power
RatingACS
Manufacturer 1
Tolerance

Manufacturer Part
Number 1

Wurth Elektronik

885012207103

Wurth Elektronik

885342208021

10%

Panasonic

ECW-FE2W225KA

100V

10%

Wurth Elektronik

885012206120

2

35V

10%

C0603

1

100V

5%

Wurth Elektronik

885012006079

220pF

C0603

1

50V

5%

Wurth Elektronik

885012006059

47pF

C1210

2

1kV

5%

D1

DO-214AC

1

ON Semiconductor / ES1G
Fairchild

D2, D3SOT23

2

Nexperia

BAT54C

HS1

COOL_INNO_1

1

Cool Innovations

3-242411 MS73377

J1

Pin Header, 2.54 1
mm, 1 Rows, 2Contacts

Wurth Elektronik

61900211121

J2, J3, J5, J7

KEYSTONE_76 4
91

Keystone
Electronics

7691-SEMS

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

Supplier

Order number© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

12 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB
Designator

Footprint

Qty

J4, J6

BU-SMA-G

2

Molex

73100-0114

JP1, JP2, JP3

Header THT 3
pos 2.54mm

3Wurth Elektronik

61300311121

Jumpers for JP1 JP2
JP3

JUMPER W/
TEST PNT
1X2PINS
2.54MM

3

Wurth Elektronik

60900213421

PFC-03100-00

1

Wurth Elektronik

750371702

TO247

2

Nexperia

GAN041-650WSB

Murata

BLM18AG221
SN1D

L1

Value

330uH

Q1, Q2

VoltageratingACS
Power
RatingACS
Manufacturer 1
Tolerance

R1

4.99kR

R1206

1

200V

250mW

1%

R2

499kR

R1206

1

200V

250mW

1%

R3

10MR

R1206

1

200V

250mW

1%

R4

10R

R0805

1

150V

125mW

1%

R5, R6

51R

R1206

2

200V

250mW

1%

R7

12kR

R0603

1

50V

100mW

1%

R8, R20

1kR

R0603

3

50V

100mW

1%

R10

1k5

R0603

3

50V

100mW

1%

R9

0mR

R1206

1

200V

250mW

1%

R11, R12

220R

R0603

2

R13, R14, R15, R16

15R

R1206

4

200V

250mW

1%

R17, R18, R19

10R

R1206

3

200V

500mW

1%

R21, R22

15R

150V

250mW

1%

25%

Manufacturer Part
Number 1

R0603

2

Panasonic

ERJPA3F15R0V

U1

SOT223-3

1Analog Devices /Linear Technology

LT3082EST #PBF

U2

SOIC16N

1

Silicon Labs

SI8273BB-IS1

U3

SOT353-1

1

Nexperia

74LVC1G17GW

U4, U5

SOT353-1

2

Nexperia

74HCT1G86GW

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

Supplier

Order number© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

13 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB
Designator

Alumina insulator

Value

Footprint

Qty

Q1 high side1

VoltageratingACS
Power
RatingACS
Manufacturer 1
Tolerance
Aavid

Manufacturer Part
Number 1

Supplier

Order number

4169G

Mouser532-4169G

M3x15 Standoff Black
Nylon

4

Farnell

173342260mmx60mmx15mm
Axial Fan, Airflow>27m³/h Vapo bearing

1

Farnell

3050790

M4x50 Pan Head Pozi

4

M4 Nuts

4

M3x20 Pan Head Pozi

1

M3 Plain Washer

2

M3 Plain nut

1

M3x6 Pan head Pozi

4

60mmx60mm Metal Fan
Guard

1

Turret Solder / Press
Mount Terminal, Non
Insulated, 1.57 mm, Tin,
6.13 mm, 2.13 mm (Forinductor)

2

Keystone1562-2

TP1,TP2,TP3,TP4,TP5

5

Keystone

5001

Electrolube

HTC10S

Thermal Paste

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

14 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

8. Using the board
The board can be used for evaluation of basic switching functionality in a variety of circuit
configurations. It is not a complete circuit, but rather a building block. It can be used in steady-state
DC/DC converter mode with output power up to 3.5 kW.

9. Dead time control
The required form of the gate-drive signals is shown in Fig. 11. The times marked A are thedeadtimes when neither transistor is driven on. The deadtime must be greater than zero to avoid
shoot-through currents. The Si8230BB and the Si8273BB gate driver ICs ensures a minimum
deadtime based on the value of resistor R7, connected to the DT input. The deadtime in ns is equal
to the resistance in KΩ x 10: so the default value of 12 KΩ corresponds to 120 ns. This will add
to any deadtime already present in the input signals. The on-board pulse generator circuit, forexample, creates deadtimes of about the 60 ns. The resulting deadtime at the gate pins of Q1 andQ2 is about 180 ns. Either shorting or removing R7 will reduce the deadtime to 60 ns.

VGS 1
VGS 2

Fig. 11. Non-overlapping gate pulses

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

15 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

10. Probing
Test points TP4 and TP5, (AGND and PGND respectively), are provided for probing the switching
waveform. In order to minimize inductance during measurement, the tip and the ground of theprobe should be directly attached to the sensing points to minimize the sensing loop. Coiled bus
wire can be effectively used to make these connections, as indicated in Fig. 12.

Fig. 12. Low-inductance probing of fast, high-voltage signals

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

16 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

11. Typical switching waveforms
Fig. 13, Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 show the typical switching waveforms with conditions:
•
•
•

•
•
•

Load current = 10 A
Vsupply = 400 VDCVout = 230 VDC

Channel 1 = Inductor current
Channel 3 = Switch node
Channel 4 = Low-side VGS

Fig. 13. Low-side turn ON

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

17 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB•••

Channel 1 = Inductor current
Channel 3 = Switch node
Channel 4 = Low-side VGS

Fig. 14. Low-side turn OFF•••

Channel 1 = Inductor current
Channel 3 = Switch node
Channel 4 = Low-side VGS

Fig. 15. Switching cycle

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

18 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

12. Efficiency sweep
Efficiency has been measured for this circuit in buck mode with a 400 VDC input and 230 VDC
output, switching at 100 kHz.
aaa-034012

100
Efficiency(%) 99
98
97
96
95

0

1000

2000

Power (W)3000

RG= 15 Ω; GFB = 220 Ω @ 100 MHz
Fig. 16. Efficiency for a buck converter 400 V: 230 V

13. Revision history
Table 3. Revision history
Revision
Date
numberDescription

1.3

20240930

Update of Section for Bill of Materials (BOM) with latest supply information

1.2

2023-10-23

Section 1 and Section 2 added. Evaluation board name changed from NX-HB3500EV to
NX-HB-GAN041UL.

1.1

2021-11-08

Component values updated for U3, U4, U5, R10 and C23 in Section 7.1 and for R10 andC23 in Section 7.3.

1.02021-10-14

Initial version.

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

19 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

14. Legal information
Definitions
Draft — The document is a draft version only. The content is still underinternal review and subject to formal approval, which may result in
modifications or additions. Nexperia does not give any representations or
warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of information included hereinand shall have no liability for the consequences of use of such information.

Disclaimers
Limited warranty and liability — Information in this document is believed
to be accurate and reliable. However, Nexperia does not give any
representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy
or completeness of such information and shall have no liability for theconsequences of use of such information. Nexperia takes no responsibility
for the content in this document if provided by an information source outsideof Nexperia.
In no event shall Nexperia be liable for any indirect, incidental, punitive,
special or consequential damages (including - without limitation - lost
profits, lost savings, business interruption, costs related to the removalor replacement of any products or rework charges) whether or not suchdamages are based on tort (including negligence), warranty, breach ofcontract or any other legal theory.
Notwithstanding any damages that customer might incur for any reason
whatsoever, Nexperia’s aggregate and cumulative liability towards customer
for the products described herein shall be limited in accordance with theTerms and conditions of commercial sale of Nexperia.
Right to make changes — Nexperia reserves the right to make changes
to information published in this document, including without limitation
specifications and product descriptions, at any time and without notice. This
document supersedes and replaces all information supplied prior to the
publication hereof.
Suitability for use — Nexperia products are not designed, authorized or
warranted to be suitable for use in life support, life-critical or safety-criticalsystems or equipment, nor in applications where failure or malfunctionof an Nexperia product can reasonably be expected to result in personal
injury, death or severe property or environmental damage. Nexperia and its
suppliers accept no liability for inclusion and/or use of Nexperia products insuch equipment or applications and therefore such inclusion and/or use is at
the customer’s own risk.
Applications — Applications that are described herein for any of theseproducts are for illustrative purposes only. Nexperia makes no representation
or warranty that such applications will be suitable for the specified use
without further testing or modification.
Customers are responsible for the design and operation of their applications
and products using Nexperia products, and Nexperia accepts no liability forany assistance with applications or customer product design. It is customer’ssole responsibility to determine whether the Nexperia product is suitableand fit for the customer’s applications and products planned, as well as
for the planned application and use of customer’s third party customer(s).
Customers should provide appropriate design and operating safeguards tominimize the risks associated with their applications and products.
Nexperia does not accept any liability related to any default, damage, costs
or problem which is based on any weakness or default in the customer’s
applications or products, or the application or use by customer’s third party
customer(s). Customer is responsible for doing all necessary testing for thecustomer’s applications and products using Nexperia products in order toavoid a default of the applications and the products or of the application or
use by customer’s third party customer(s). Nexperia does not accept any
liability in this respect.
Export control — This document as well as the item(s) described herein
may be subject to export control regulations. Export might require a priorauthorization from competent authorities.
Translations — A non-English (translated) version of a document is forreference only. The English version shall prevail in case of any discrepancy
between the translated and English versions.

Trademarks
Notice: All referenced brands, product names, service names andtrademarks are the property of their respective owners.

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

20 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

List of Tables
Table 1. NX-HB-GAN041UL Input/Output specifications......4
Table 2. NX-HB-GAN041UL_0V1 Bill of Materials............. 12
Table 3. Revision history....................................................19

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

21 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

List of Figures
Fig. 1. Example of a safety enclosure in the Nexperia lab... 2
Fig. 2. Example of a probe positioner..................................3
Fig. 3. NX-HB-GAN041UL GAN041-650WSB halfbridge evaluation board....................................................... 4
Fig. 4. Functional Block Diagram......................................... 5
Fig. 5. Supply and load connections for Buck (a) and
Boost (b) configurations....................................................... 6
Fig. 6. Input configurations. (a) using a single sourcefor either buck or boost mode (b) buck mode without
synchronous rectification (c) using two signal sources........ 7
Fig. 7. Schematic................................................................. 9
Fig. 8. PCB top and bottom layers.....................................10
Fig. 9. PCB inner layer 2, ground plane............................ 11
Fig. 10. PCB inner layer 3, power plane............................ 11
Fig. 11. Non-overlapping gate pulses................................ 15
Fig. 12. Low-inductance probing of fast, high-voltage
signals................................................................................ 16
Fig. 13. Low-side turn ON..................................................17
Fig. 14. Low-side turn OFF................................................ 18
Fig. 15. Switching cycle..................................................... 18
Fig. 16. Efficiency for a buck converter 400 V: 230 V........ 19

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

22 / 23

UM90010

Nexperia

NX-HB-GAN041UL 3.5 kW Half-Bridge evaluation board using GAN041-650WSB

Contents
1. EVALUATION BOARD TERMS OF USE.......................2
2. High Voltage Safety Precautions.................................2
3. Introduction................................................................... 4
3.1. Quick reference information........................................ 4
4. Warnings........................................................................5
5. Circuit description........................................................ 5
6. Configuration................................................................ 5
7. Design details............................................................... 8
7.1. NX-HB-GAN041UL schematic..................................... 9
7.2. NX-HB-GAN041UL_0V1 PCB Layout........................10
7.3. NX-HB-GAN041UL_0V1 evaluation board Bill ofMaterials (BOM)................................................................. 12
8. Using the board.......................................................... 15
9. Dead time control....................................................... 15
10. Probing...................................................................... 16
11. Typical switching waveforms...................................17
12. Efficiency sweep.......................................................19
13. Revision history........................................................19
14. Legal information......................................................20© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

For more information, please visit: http://www.nexperia.com
For sales office addresses, please send an email to: salesaddresses@nexperia.com
Date of release: 30 September 2024

UM90010
Submit document feedback

User manual

All information provided in this document is subject to legal disclaimers.

Rev. 1.3 — 30 September 2024

© Nexperia B.V. 2024. All rights reserved

23 / 23