Since 2023, when Infineon announced the acquisition of GaN Systems, the Canadian company that had generated the highest level of excitement ever in the audio industry with its groundbreaking gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductor devices, things have remained relatively quiet. Too quiet, given how exceptional the performance of the first GaN-based audio power stages was, measured by publications such as audioXpress. In a short period of time, GaN Systems was very successful in demonstrating complete technology leadership with its continuous release of Class-D high-performance GaN FET amplifier boards and audio boost converter solutions.
Already in 2024, Infineon announced new generations of its CoolGaN devices, already expanded with the portfolio that resulted from the GaN Systems acquisition, and manufactured on high-performance 8" in-house foundry processes in Kulim (Malaysia) and Villach (Austria). Of course, Infineon's priorities for the technology and these devices go well beyond audio amplification, but the availability of new GaN-based solutions would sooner or later be leveraged again by creative audio developers.
Peak Amplification is a new division and new brand of Elytone Electronics, an OEM/ODM manufacturer from Taiwan, and an innovator of custom audio solutions and magnetic components for over forty years. Peak introduced a complete range of high-power Class-D amplifier modules in 2023 and immediately found a receptive market in professional audio applications, but was lacking a top performance range of modules that would enable Peak to project in the global markets as envisioned by its founders.
The path to innovate further was presented in the collaboration with Infineon and its latest generation of GaN devices, resulting in early prototypes that proved to be viable for more powerful and smaller but cooler amplifier modules. This next-generation efficiency also created a foundation for the levels of high-performance audio.
The first result of that cooperation work will now be unveiled at CEDIA Expo 2025, with a module that Elytone sees as a groundbreaking starting point for the new generation GaN series from Peak Amplification.
"While GaN offers fundamentally more efficient power amplification, it has quite remarkable improvements for audio fidelity in audio amplification applications. We are seeing tested performance of 10 times less THD and half the noise floor compared to silicon-based Class-D products. With this new GaN audio performance and dramatically better sound, Peak has created a design that is even more impressive considering the improved thermal performance and smaller size (higher power density)," says Jason Nims, Vice President, Strategy & Marketing
The first module tested by Peak using Infineon's GaN technology (CoolGaN) was a 400-watts, 2-channel amplifier that has shown to be able to deliver 200 watts of power when connected to a 4-ohm load, and only reaching 80° C after an hour, with no heat sink. This very high level of efficiency (>95.8% at 250W) is remarkable given that the new 400W module is smaller than even the lower-power amplifier modules in the current Peak silicon-based line. Peak believes the potential for this technology, even if running at higher voltages, will be appealing for high-end residential multichannel and hi-fidelity applications.
The result is now the Peak AM-400C2G module, which pairs Infineon's CoolGaN transistor IGB110S10S1 with the MERUS IRS20957S Class D controller to deliver high power density, switching efficiency, and audio fidelity. Scalable to 375W x 2 at 2Ω without a heatsink, it includes all required power supplies and connectors for quick evaluation, showcasing how GaN elevates Class-D amplification. Rated specifications for the self-oscillating half-bridge topology include a THD of ~0.0008% with a 2Ω to 4Ω impedance (can drive 8Ω at lower power). The PCBA module can be configured for two channels single-ended or a full bridged channel, with balanced or unbalanced inputs, and features overcurrent protection (OCP) and overtemperature protection (OTP), supporting external clock synchronization.
"This new GaN-based amplifier is the start of a long-term Class-D innovation commitment for Peak Amplification, with their new development partner, Infineon," adds Jason Nims. "Our first module is already category-leading and offers a cleaner sound with up to 10x less distortion and half the noise floor, and higher efficiency, operating up to 20°C cooler than silicon-based Class-D. Smaller footprints help reduce wasted energy with higher power density, enabling more compact system builds and flexible deployments across stage amplification, commercial AV, and high-end residential audio applications," he adds.
Leveraging this technology, Peak Amplification will offer modules for a wide range of product types, including stage and rack amplifiers, commercial installations, and premium consumer audio. Their compact footprint and thermal efficiency also enable integrators and OEMs to achieve more powerful, yet space-efficient product designs.
"GaN technology allows us to raise the bar for amplifier performance. Customers benefit from cleaner sound, greater efficiency, and higher power density, all in a smaller and cooler-running module," states Albert Yong, Vice President of Audio/OEM at Elytone.
The new AM-400C2G (100V) module is launching under Peak's Flexible Line (AM Series), with additional GaN products already in development that will extend into the Integrated Line. A live demonstration of the AM-400C2G will be showcased at Booth 739, CEDIA Expo 2025.
Peak Amplification, a division of Elytone, designs and manufactures advanced amplifier modules for pro audio, residential AV, and commercial applications. With global R&D and manufacturing support and decades of amplifier design and product experience, Peak Amplification delivers high-performance solutions tailored to the needs of audio brands worldwide.
www.elytone.com
www.peakamplification.com
