08/21/2025 – 06:00 PM
PowiGaN runs 95 percent efficient for light- and full-load critical operational and safety features
DARWIN, Australia & SAN JOSE, Calif. – Get ready to witness the future of energy efficiency on wheels! As 37 student teams gear up to navigate the challenging terrain of the Outback in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, Power Integrations (POWI) is arming them with cutting-edge tech in the form of a new reference design kit, RDK-85SLR.
RDK-85SLR includes everything needed to create a 46-watt power supply. Solar race car teams can get the kit free by registering online.
The secret sauce? The kit stars Power Integrations’ InnoSwitch3-AQ IC, fueled by their proprietary PowiGaN gallium-nitride switch technology. Think of PowiGaN as the performance-enhancing ingredient, allowing for peak efficiency and power density in a compact package. This potent combination is inspired by a collaborative design between Power Integrations’ PowerPros online support engineers and the ETH Zurich aCentauri team, whose #85 ‘Silvretta’ challenger is leveraging the tech to maximize its auxiliary power supply’s performance.
Andy Smith, director of technical outreach and training for Power Integrations, highlights the strategic importance of supporting these student initiatives. “Thousands of engineering students participate in solar car challenges around the world each year, and these innovators will help bring about a more sustainable future,” said Smith. “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.”
This isn’t just about racing; it’s about real-world application. The design kit provides everything needed to create a 46-watt power supply – capable of bursts up to 80 watts – making it ideally suited for auxiliary power in solar vehicles. The InnoSwitch3-AQ IC, with its PowiGaN switch, eliminates the need for bulky heat sinks, enabling smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective designs – crucial when every ounce counts.
Aaron Griesser, lead electrical engineer from the 2023 aCentauri team, vouches for PowiGaN’s real-world prowess. “We proved PowiGaN’s reliability, performance and efficiency in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2023,” said Griesser. “We achieved 95 percent efficiency across both light and full loads with a broad output range of 5 to 60 W. Additionally, the scrutineering judges were astounded to see an auxiliary power supply without a heatsink.”
Power Integrations is documenting the race, so stay tuned to social media using #PowiGaNVan for up-to-the-minute updates.
Availability & Resources
The RDK-85SLR reference design kit is priced at $50. Solar race car teams can snag the kit gratis by registering online.
About Power Integrations
Power Integrations, Inc., a leading innovator in semiconductor technologies, is focused on high-voltage power conversion, enabling a cleaner power ecosystem.
Power Integrations, the Power Integrations logo, PI, PowiGaN, PowerPros and InnoSwitch3-AQ are trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of Power Integrations, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner.
Source: Power Integrations, Inc.
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