News: Microelectronics
5 February 2025
Navitas’ GaN and SiC devices adopted in Dell’s family of 60–360W AI notebook adapters
Navitas Semiconductor Corp of Torrance, CA, USA says that both its GaNFast gallium nitride (GaN) and GeneSiC silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor technologies have been adopted into Dell’s family of notebook adapters, from 60W to 360W.
GeneSiC silicon carbide MOSFETs feature patented ‘trench-assisted planar’ technology and 5th-generation GeneSiC silicon carbide diodes deliver high-speed, high-efficiency performance with proprietary ‘low-knee’ technology for cool operation.
Navitas says that its GaNFast power ICs enable high-frequency, high-efficiency power conversion, achieving 3x more power and 3x faster charging in half the size and weight compared with prior designs with legacy silicon power devices, it is reckoned.
Navitas says that its GaN and SiC technology together enables Dell to provide high-speed charging, with what is claimed to be the highest efficiency, coolest temperature, smallest size, and lowest material count. Dell’s latest line-up of AI notebooks includes neural processor units (NPUs), which are dedicated AI engines, to manage sustained AI and AI offload. This builds on Dell’s portfolio as what is claimed to be the broadest GaN adapter offering for notebooks in the industry.
The new adapters will also help Dell to achieve its advanced sustainability goals, with a focus on CO2 reduction and energy reduction. The adapter cases require up to 50% less plastic and are made with post-recycled materials, significantly reducing energy waste, and improving resource utilization. Navitas says that its GaNFast and GeneSiC technologies increase the level of system integration and switching frequency, which reduces the number of components, as well as the size, resulting in a ‘dematerialization’ that lowers carbon footprint throughout the production, packaging and logistics processes. Each GaNFast power IC shipped saves 4kg of CO2, and every SiC MOSFET shipped saves 25kg of CO2 compared with legacy silicon power chips.
“Since Dell’s first GaN adapter was enabled by Navitas back in 2020, we’ve worked closely with Dell engineering to further improve charging speed, efficiency, size, weight and now environmental footprint,” says Navitas’ CEO & co-founder Gene Sheridan. “Dell’s new adapters are an optimal solution for speed, portability and sustainability,” he adds. “Our clients achieve a win–win for both the market and environment by deploying Navitas GaNFast power ICs and GeneSiC power devices.”
