Introduction

Silicon carbide (SiC), as a third-generation wide bandgap semiconductor, possesses higher breakdown voltage, greater current handling capability, and a wider temperature adaptation range in the field of power devices. Additionally, its internal resistance temperature drift is minimal, and its thermal stability and reliability far exceed those of traditional silicon devices. These characteristics give SiC a natural advantage in high-voltage, high-power, and high-frequency scenarios, and it has already been widely applied in high-voltage fast charging, DC fast charging stations, and onboard charging for electric vehicles.

Especially with the maturity of the 8-inch SiC production line, its application scenarios are gradually expanding from industrial high-voltage fields to consumer-grade fast charging fields. Through performance optimization and cost reduction, its position in the PD fast charging market is steadily improving.

However, in traditional industrial auxiliary power supplies, a dual-switch flyback topology is often required to address the insufficient voltage tolerance of power devices under high bus voltages, leading to increased costs. Moreover, the solutions available on the market typically operate at fixed frequencies without valley conduction, resulting in greater switching losses as the bus voltage increases. Even when using SiC solutions, additional SiC-specific driver chips are usually required, along with considerations for power-up sequencing and other issues, making integration into compact systems challenging.

In the consumer sector, especially in PD fast charging, there is a continuous pursuit of compact size, high integration, high efficiency, and low-cost application scenarios. With the development of third-generation semiconductors, there are already direct-drive GaN solutions available domestically, but dedicated controllers for direct-drive SiC in the consumer market are still relatively scarce.

Currently, several domestic power chip manufacturers have successively launched product lines for direct-drive SiC controllers, covering various types such as QR flyback controllers and PFC controllers, capable of supporting fast charging designs across different topologies and power levels. These devices each emphasize different aspects in driving capability, protection, and power-up sequencing. Next, we will provide a detailed introduction.

Overview of Direct-Drive SiC Chips

Charging Head Network has compiled various controllers supporting direct-drive SiC and related information into the table above for your convenience.

The following rankings are in no particular order and are sorted by the first letter of the company’s English name.

ISMARTWARE

SW1192H

SW1192H is a high-frequency quasi-resonant (QR) mode PWM flyback controller. The design focus of this controller by ISMARTWARE is to balance ultra-wide input adaptability with direct driving of the new generation power device SiC. The SW1192H integrates a DRV driver stage, providing a driving voltage of up to 17.5V, enabling it to directly drive SiC devices and reduce reliance on external driver stages.

SW1192H supports a super-wide range of VDD power supply from 12–90V, allowing seamless adaptation to wide voltage applications such as PD adapters and LED drivers, meeting the input condition requirements of different markets and printed circuit specifications.

SW1192H employs a segmented frequency curve to optimize efficiency and EMI, operating at approximately 130kHz under low voltage (LL, 90V) conditions and around 100kHz under high voltage (HL, 230V) conditions. The chip also integrates an adaptive driving strategy that actively reduces switching transient stress during light load, thereby suppressing the peak voltage of synchronous rectification (SR), reducing device stress, and improving reliability. To further enhance electromagnetic compatibility, the device includes a frequency jitter function that disperses spectral energy, and frequency jitter also aids in passing EMI tests more easily; at the same time, the design ensures no audible audio noise, enhancing the end-user experience.

In terms of protection mechanisms, SW1192H integrates a complete set of protection mechanisms including brown-out, VDD overvoltage, output over/undervoltage, per-cycle current limiting, abnormal overcurrent, overload, CS open circuit, and on-chip/out-of-chip over-temperature protection. Upon triggering, it responds with automatic restart or latching, helping the system quickly self-recover or safely lock in abnormal conditions, reducing the risk of system damage caused by secondary or transformer failures. Such comprehensive protection design is particularly important for adapter and charger products.

SW1192H is packaged in SOT23-6, which can save PCB area and reduce component costs in compact charger solutions, making it suitable for fast charging adapters, chargers, switch-mode power supplies, and other fields.

Related Reading:

1、ISMARTWARE launches PWM controller SW1192H supporting wide voltage output direct-drive SiC

Kiwi Instruments

KPE2806S

KPE2806S is an offline quasi-resonant boost PFC controller that supports direct-drive SiC. The chip supports adaptive switching between critical conduction mode (CRM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), operating in CRM under full load and entering DCM under light load, effectively improving light load and standby efficiency through frequency reduction and burst mechanisms, suitable for adapter power supplies, LED lighting, and desktop/TV applications that require high power factor and low input harmonics.

KPE2806S has been optimized in multiple aspects for the systematic needs of direct-drive SiC, with the chip integrating a 16V gate clamp and providing a large current drive of -550mA / +1350mA, capable of matching the faster gate charge and discharge requirements of SiC MOSFETs and shortening switching transition times.

KPE2806S operates at the quasi-resonant working point by turning on at the valley when the DRAIN voltage reaches the valley, significantly reducing switching losses, with a maximum clamp frequency of 500kHz. It also automatically sets the maximum operating frequency and maximum conduction time through the RSEL decision mechanism to match different system designs. The chip also implements dynamic acceleration, dual output voltage levels, and burst/reduction curve control strategies, achieving a better balance in efficiency, power consumption, response speed, and EMI.

In terms of reliability and protection, KPE2806S integrates a complete set of protection methods including VDD OVP/UVLO, input undervoltage, output undervoltage/overvoltage, per-cycle overcurrent, abnormal overcurrent latching, CZ pin secondary OVP, over-temperature shutdown, and pin short-circuit protection. Additionally, it features low startup and standby currents and uses a small SOT23-6 package.

Related Reading:

1、Kiwi Instruments releases new PFC controller KPE2806S, filling the gap in consumer-grade direct-drive SiC applications

Kiwi Instruments KP2213

KP2213 is a high-performance current mode PWM controller carefully designed by Kiwi Instruments for offline flyback power supplies. This chip integrates a high-voltage startup circuit and driving capability optimized for SiC devices, supporting a wide VDD power supply of 18 ~ 55V, suitable for wide output voltage applications.

KP2213 adopts a multi-mode working strategy, supporting continuous conduction mode (CCM), quasi-resonant (QR), green energy-saving, and burst modes, optimizing efficiency across the entire range. It integrates a high-voltage startup function, achieving standby power consumption of less than 30mW, and features high and low voltage frequency modulation and peak current/frequency jitter mechanisms, automatically optimizing switching frequency from light load to full load, reducing light load losses and improving EMI performance.

In QR mode, KP2213 supports a maximum switching frequency of 130kHz, and combined with valley conduction and leading edge blanking (LEB) techniques, it reduces switching losses and the risk of false triggering. This series of designs allows the use of SiC devices to leverage their high-frequency advantages while controlling noise and thermal stress.

KP2213 has a complete self-recovery protection system built-in, including VDD overvoltage/undervoltage, input overvoltage/undervoltage, output overvoltage/undervoltage, per-cycle current limiting (OCP), abnormal overcurrent protection (AOCP), output overload protection (OLP), on-chip over-temperature protection (OTP), and pin open-circuit detection. The combination of soft start, automatic restart, and clamping mechanisms not only enhances the system’s self-protection capability under abnormal conditions but also simplifies the design of external protection circuits, making the entire machine easier to pass functional and reliability verification.

KP2213’s high integration effectively reduces the number of external components, shortens the development cycle, and enhances system performance. Additionally, it uses a small SOP-8 package, facilitating mass production and assembly. For charger and adapter designs that pursue high power density, low standby power consumption, and wish to fully utilize the high-frequency potential of SiC devices, KP2213 is an ideal controller choice that balances efficiency, reliability, and engineering feasibility.

Related Reading:

1、Kiwi Instruments launches the first high-integration flyback PWM controller KP2213 that can directly drive SiC

2、Direct-drive SiC landing solution, Kiwi Instruments KP2213 aids high power density charger and switch-mode power supply design

MERAKI

MK2606S

MERAKI’s MK2606S is the first high-frequency quasi-resonant flyback controller aimed at SiC power devices, integrating adaptive optimization for SiC device driving voltage, direct drive functionality, and various protection and anti-interference measures. The chip features a high-precision oscillator with two maximum operating frequency options of 130/200KHz and incorporates proprietary soft-start technology, effectively reducing stress on power devices during the moment of power-up by gradually ramping up the driving current.

It is understood that this chip’s driving side supports multiple output voltage levels: 6V for E-GaN devices, 11V for conventional Si MOS, and 15V for SiC. This eliminates the need for traditional SiC drivers and their peripheral power supply circuits, simplifying PCB layout and significantly reducing the overall number of external components.

MK2606 also provides overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, over-temperature protection, and is designed with enhanced anti-lightning and surge false triggering protection for industrial applications. The built-in jitter function further optimizes EMI design; at the same time, using a small SOT23-6 package can save valuable PCB space for portable fast charging designs and simplify system-level circuits, enabling a truly “SiC fast charging” solution to be implemented in smaller, lighter, and more efficient products.

Related Reading:

1、MERAKI collaborates with a well-known silicon carbide company to launch fast charging reference design, adopted by listed companies

Application Cases:

1、First release of Mentech’s 65W-2C-PD fast charging teardown, Yingjiatong’s SiC To Go challenges extreme efficiency and power density

MERAKI MK2698S

MK2698S is a quasi-resonant (QR) flyback controller launched by MERAKI with ultra-wide VCC voltage tolerance, capable of direct-drive SiC, with a voltage tolerance of up to 100V, stably coping with different power supply environments. The switching frequency supports two selectable options of 130kHz and 200kHz, allowing flexible matching with system designs based on actual application needs.

MK2698S has a maximum driving voltage of up to 16V and has specifically optimized the driving circuit for SiC power devices, ensuring reliable direct driving of SiC devices without the need for additional dedicated driving circuits, effectively simplifying peripheral design and improving power density. Additionally, the chip integrates patented soft-start technology, which effectively reduces voltage stress on power devices during the power-up phase, avoiding damage from instantaneous shocks, and includes comprehensive protection mechanisms to further enhance the operational reliability of the power supply system.

MK2698S also features a jitter function that effectively optimizes system EMI, reducing electromagnetic interference during power supply operation and lowering the difficulty of subsequent EMC testing and rectification. MK2698S is widely compatible with multi-port and single-port PD chargers, meeting the fast charging needs in the consumer electronics field. At the same time, due to its support for 100V high voltage tolerance, it is also suitable for electric two-wheeler chargers and battery chargers that require wide output voltage scenarios, providing efficient and reliable solutions for power products in different fields.

MERAKI MK2554/A

MK2554/A is a continuous conduction mode (CCM) PFC controller launched by MERAKI, with gate driving capability of ±1.5A and gate driving clamp at 15.5V, capable of directly driving SiC power devices without additional driving circuits, effectively simplifying high-power power supply architecture.

MK2554/A features a wide VCC operating voltage of 30V, ultra-low static current of <200μA, and startup current of <55μA, effectively reducing standby losses. It has a built-in frequency jitter function, with selectable switching frequencies of 65kHz, 130kHz, and 200kHz, and has been specifically optimized for THD and power factor, improving the energy utilization efficiency of the power supply system and reducing reactive losses. It also has a dynamic enhancement function that better responds to load transients, ensuring stable operation of the system under different conditions.

MK2554/A is packaged in SOP-8, suitable for server power supplies, communication power supplies, desktop power supplies, and IT devices, as well as home appliances, industrial electronics, high-power LED streetlights, and plant lighting, especially suitable for CCM PFC applications in the power range of 300~3kW.

Charging Head Network Summary

Currently, the 8-inch SiC production line has gradually matured, leading to system costs that meet expansion needs. SiC has begun to show significant competitiveness in certain consumer-grade fast charging niche markets. The Charging Head Network has reviewed multiple direct-drive SiC controller chips launched by ISMARTWARE, MERAKI, and Kiwi Instruments. These chips eliminate the need for additional drivers and complex power-up sequencing in traditional SiC solutions, simplifying system design and accelerating engineering validation cycles, thus facilitating the faster market launch of SiC products.