New PowiGaN™ Design Kit Brings 95% Efficiency to Solar Race Cars – Student teams participating in any solar car race can now register to receive a free kit ($50 value) from Power Integrations (power.com) !
As student engineers from around the world prepare to race across the Australian Outback in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge starting August 24th, Power Integrations is rolling out a new reference design kit tailored for solar-powered race cars. Student teams participating in any solar car race can now register to receive a free kit ($50 value).
The kit, RDK-85SLR, is an ultra-compact DC-DC converter design which achieves 95% efficiency across both light and full loads. It features an automotive-qualified InnoSwitch3-AQ flyback switcher IC with a 750 V PowiGaN switch.
The design is inspired by PI’s collaboration with the ETH Zurich aCentauri team for this year’s World Solar Challenge. The team’s #85 “Silvretta” solar race car uses the converter to maximize efficiency in its auxiliary power supply.
What’s in the kit?
• A sample 46W power supply (delivers up to 80 W for short periods)
• Four (4) InnoSwitch3-AQ ICs featuring PowiGaN technology
• An unpopulated PCB for custom builds
• A comprehensive design report with schematics, layout guide, transformer build instructions and performance data
Not a student solar car racer? You can order your own RDK-85SLR on PI’s website and learn more about InnoSwitch3-AQ ICs:
- Download the report: RDR-85SLR - 46 W DC-DC converter for solar racing cars
- Order the kit: RDK-85SLR reference design kit
- Schedule a video call with the PowerPros team for expert design support
- Follow the coverage of the World Solar Challenge on Mr. Green’s Blog and on social media using hashtag #PowiGaNVan