As teams prepare for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge across Australia’s Outback, Power Integrations has introduced a reference design kit tailored specifically for solar-powered race cars. The new RDK-85SLR kit is designed around the company’s InnoSwitch3-AQ IC, which integrates its high-efficiency PowiGaN gallium-nitride switch technology.
High-Efficiency Power for Solar Cars
The RDK-85SLR provides everything needed to build a compact auxiliary power supply capable of delivering 46 watts continuously, with short bursts up to 80 watts. By leveraging PowiGaN switches, the design eliminates the need for a heatsink, reducing both weight and space, two factors that are critical in competitive solar vehicles.
The kit is based on work carried out with ETH Zurich’s aCentauri team, whose #85 “Silvretta” solar car used the same design to achieve 95% efficiency across output ranges from 5 to 60 watts. Judges were reportedly surprised to see such a reliable supply operating without a heatsink, highlighting the potential of GaN technology in demanding applications.
Designed for Students and Engineers
Recognising that thousands of engineering students participate in solar car challenges each year, Power Integrations is providing the kit free of charge to registered race teams. Each package contains a sample power supply, four InnoSwitch3-AQ ICs, and an unpopulated PCB, along with detailed documentation including schematics, PCB layout guidance, transformer build instructions, and performance data. Live support from PowerPros engineers is also available.
According to Andy Smith, director of technical outreach and training at Power Integrations, the initiative is about more than just hardware: “We are providing this reference kit to help young engineers take advantage of the latest, most energy-efficient technologies, such as PowiGaN, in their designs.”
Supporting Sustainable Innovation
The release of the RDK-85SLR aligns with Power Integrations’ broader focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. By equipping students and engineers with the tools to build lightweight, reliable, and efficient auxiliary supplies, the company is helping to push forward innovation in sustainable transport.
The kit is available for $50 to the general market but remains free to teams competing in the World Solar Challenge and similar events. With this initiative, Power Integrations demonstrates how semiconductor innovation can extend beyond the lab, supporting real-world engineering challenges that inspire the next generation of designers.
Learn more and read the original announcement here.
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