News: Microelectronics
10 August 2020
Navitas’ GaNFast power ICs used in Spigen’s ArcStation Pro
Mobile accessory firm Spigen Inc of Irvine, CA, USA and Navitas Semiconductor Inc of El Segundo, CA, USA have announced a new 20W gallium nitride (GaN) wall charger, the Spigen PowerArc ArcStation Pro, ahead of the expected Apple iPhone 12 release later this year.
Founded in 2009, Spigen makes cases, screen protectors and other accessories for smartphones. The firm recently launched its new brand Spigen PowerArc, specializing in ultra-fast charging solutions for mobile devices.
“Industry rumors indicate that the iPhone 12 will release without an ‘in-box’ charger,” says Spigen’s product @ marketing manager Bobby Lee. “The ArcStation Pro proactively fills that void and delivers lightning-fast charging in the smallest possible form factor, with an elegant design and fold-flat AC pins,” he adds. “With 20W of charging power and a USB Type-C output, it can also charge AirPods, iPads and any number of other phones and tablets via USB-C to Lightning or USB-C to C cables.”
A powerful upgrade over former Apple chargers, the ArcStation Pro embraces GaN technology, which is reckoned to run up to 100x faster than silicon chips. Navitas’ GaNFast power ICs monolithically integrate GaN power, GaN analog and GaN logic circuits on the same chip, to enable faster, reliable, efficient operation – in a very small size. At just 39.5mm x34.5mm x 27.7mm (1.55-inch x 1.35-inch x 1.09-inch), and featuring smooth-folding AC-pins, the charger is 30% smaller than Apple’s existing 18W wall chargers.
“Spigen’s PowerArc is the leading-edge fast charger, ahead of Apple’s iPhone 12 and differentiated by its accessible, affordable price point and commitment to quality,” comments Stephen Oliver, Navitas’ VP marketing & investor relations.
The Spigen PowerArc ArcStation Pro will retail for US$19.99 at the end of August, which is reckoned to be a major saving versus Apple chargers.
