News: Microelectronics
14 May 2020
GaN Systems releases Class-D audio amplifier and companion SMPS evaluation kit
GaN Systems Inc of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (a fabless developer of gallium nitride-based power switching semiconductors for power conversion and control applications) has announced the debut and availability of a new amplifier evaluation kit for high-sound-quality Class-D audio systems.
The evaluation kit includes a 2-channel, 200W-per-channel (8Ω) Class-D audio amplifier and companion 400W continuous power audio-grade switch-mode power supply (SMPS). This solution highlights an easy plug-and-play design with features such as multi-audio signal inputs, bridge-tied load output, and open-loop/closed-loop toggling. With GaN, the design is very efficient and operates without heatsinks. These features allow audio design engineers to create premium audio products at shorter time to market and at an affordable price, claims the firm.
The convergence of audio trends, including demand for more power, size and weight reduction, and growing consumer demand for better audio quality requires innovative approaches to enhance sound quality, increase efficiency, and reduce size, which is served by GaN power semiconductors, says GaN Systems. Applications include smart speakers to automotive and high-end home audio systems.
The evaluation kit performance includes the following features:
- 200W/Ch (8Ω), 300W/Ch (4Ω) amplifier with 96% efficiency;
- 400W continuous, 550W peak companion SMPS;
- <0.01% THD+N (8Ω, 1W, 20Hz to 20kHz);
- +/‐0.5dB frequency response to 50kHz;
- high efficiency and no heatsinks, reducing size, weight, and total system cost;
- good EMI/EMC performance due to reduced ringing/noise.
“Class-D audio amplifiers are reaching a new level of performance with GaN,” says Paul Wiener, GaN Systems’ VP of Strategic Marketing. “Industry experts and audiophiles alike have tested and listened to the output of our design and are truly impressed,” he claims. “The audio quality - combined with the thermal and EMI/EMC performance - provide a great solution.”
Additionally, GaN Systems has issued a white paper ‘See, Feel, and Hear the Difference with GaN Class-D Amplifier and Companion SMPS’ reviewing the its audio evaluation kit using the standard set of industry performance and validation tests.
