News: Microelectronics
9 April 2024
EPC9192 Class-D audio reference design enables high power and efficiency
Efficient Power Conversion Corp (EPC) of El Segundo, CA, USA — which makes enhancement-mode gallium nitride on silicon (eGaN) power field-effect transistors (FETs) and integrated circuits for power management applications — has launched the EPC9192 reference design, enabling powerful, compact and efficient Class-D audio amplifiers. The EPC9192 showcases the capabilities of EPC’s 200V EPC2307 eGaN FETs in a ground-referenced, split-dual-supply single-ended (SE) design, delivering 700W per channel into a 4Ω load.
The EPC9192 has a modular design that allows for scalability and expandability. The motherboard hosts two PWM modulators and two half-bridge power stage daughterboards, implementing a two-channel amplifier with housekeeping supplies and protections. This design flexibility enables users to customize the PWM modulator and power stage, facilitating the evaluation and comparison of different devices and modulation techniques.
Key features of the EPC9192 include:
- 700W Class-D power stage in a compact size of 4in3, including output filter and heatsink;
- single regulated 12V power supply input for housekeeping;
- dual-split-supply input, unregulated, ±42V to ±85V for power stage;
- analog inputs balanced (XLR) or unbalanced (RCA);
- configurable for two independent single-ended channels or single-channel BTL mode;
- under-voltage, over-voltage, over-current and over-temperature protections;
- >600kHz switching frequency.
Key performance measurements of the EPC9192 include:
- 700W @ 2–4Ω/350W @ 8Ω/channel;
- BTL capable (1400W @ 4–8Ω);
- <0.005% THD+N, >120dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR);
- noise floor: 40µV;
- frequency response: 5Hz–20kHz ±0.5dB, regardless of load.
“The EPC9192 is a powerful tool for audio amplifier designers looking to leverage the benefits of GaN technology,” says CEO Alex Lidow. “With high power density and scalability, it enables rapid prototyping of compact, high-performance Class-D amplifiers.”
The EPC9192 evaluation boards are priced at $948.48. The EPC2307 is priced at $3.28/ea in 3Ku reels. Reference design boards and devices are available for immediate delivery from distributor Digi-Key Corp.
