EPC Launches Radiation-Hardened GaN Motor Drive Evaluation Board for Space Applications

EPC Space has released the EPC7C021, a compact, high-performance evaluation board designed for three-phase motor drive applications in space and other radiation-critical environments. Featuring the company’s radiation-hardened EPC7011L7C eGaN® ICs, the board provides a robust platform for engineers developing systems such as reaction wheels, robotics, ion propulsion, and precision automation.

Measuring just 6.50 x 5.22 inches, the EPC7C021 includes all the features needed to evaluate GaN-based motor drive performance, either as a standalone system or in combination with EPC’s EPC9147A motor controller for closed-loop operation.

## Key Technical Features
#### GaN Half-Bridge Power Stages
Each phase is powered by the EPC7011L7C, a 50 V, radiation-hardened eGaN IC capable of delivering up to 6 A and operating at switching frequencies up to 2 MHz. The ICs offer high efficiency, low switching loss, and proven radiation tolerance for space applications.

#### Integrated Dead-Time and Protection
The board features user-adjustable dead-time generation, overcurrent protection with a configurable trip point, and temperature sensing on each phase. Power-good indicators and test points simplify troubleshooting and evaluation.

#### Flexible PWM Input Options
Control signals can be supplied externally via SMA or header connectors, or internally via the EPC9147A daughtercard, supporting both open- and closed-loop control setups.

#### Monitoring and Feedback
Current and voltage sensing are included on each output phase. Analog outputs provide direct access to key operating parameters, supporting real-time performance evaluation and data acquisition.

#### Optional Output Filtering
Onboard RC filters can be configured to approximate sine-wave outputs, helping engineers develop motor systems where reduced harmonic content or lower EMI is critical.

#### Thermal Management
Each power stage includes aluminium nitride (AlN) thermal “helpers” beneath the ICs, improving heat dissipation for higher current handling.

#### Multiple Bias Rails
The board supports external or onboard generation of 12 V, 5 V, and 3.3 V bias voltages for logic, control, and sensor integration.

#### Hall Sensor and Encoder Support
The EPC7C021 supports Hall-effect sensor input, enabling rotor position feedback for closed-loop motor control algorithms.

## Application Areas
The EPC7C021 is intended for system engineers working in:

* Space-based reaction or momentum wheels
* Ion thruster and propulsion systems
* Robotic actuators and manipulators
* High-reliability industrial or aerospace drive systems

Maurizio Salato, VP of Engineering at EPC Space, stated, “The EPC7C021 helps engineers rapidly evaluate the performance and integration benefits of radiation-hardened GaN in real-world motor control systems. It’s a highly flexible platform that reduces development time in demanding environments.”

## Documentation and Design Files
EPC Space provides full support materials, including schematics, layout files, and BOM, to enable fast replication and integration into prototype systems.

## Availability
The EPC7C021 is available now through EPC Space and its network of authorised distributors.

## About EPC Space
EPC Space is a joint venture between [Efficient Power Conversion](https://epc-co.com/epc/) (EPC) and [VPT Inc](https://www.vptpower.com/)., focused on delivering radiation-hardened GaN power devices and systems for space and aerospace applications. Leveraging EPC’s expertise in GaN technology and VPT’s heritage in high-reliability power solutions, EPC Space provides compact, efficient, and robust solutions designed to perform in the most demanding radiation environments.

Read the original announcement [here](https://epc-co.com/epc/about-epc/events-and-news/news/artmid/1627/articleid/3229/a-versatile-three-phase-motor-drive-evaluation-board-featuring-gan-power-stage-now-available-from-epc-space).


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