GaN Systems Announces New Series of 12V Class D Audio Amplifier Reference Designs

GaN Systems, a company specialized in GaN (gallium nitride) power semiconductors, published a new technical document titled, “12V High-Efficiency Audio Reference Designs using GaN Power Transistors.” The technical note was developed following the launch of the new GaN Systems Class-D audio amplifier evaluation kit and from growing customer interest for designs in the 12V market for automotive, marine, powersports, and other applications from power system design engineers.

Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) introduced the first of a new integrated circuit (IC) product family offering higher performance and smaller solution size for high power density applications including DC-DC conversion, motor drive, and Class-D audio amplifiers. EPC announced an 80 V, 12.5 A power stage integrated circuit designed for 48 V DC-DC conversion. The EPC2152 is a single-chip driver plus eGaN FET half-bridge power stage using EPC’s proprietary GaN IC technology.

Infineon Technologies broadened its CoolGaN series with two new devices: the CoolGaN 400 V and the CoolGaN 600 V. Gallium nitride (GaN) offers fundamental advantages over silicon, with outstanding specific dynamic on-state resistance and smaller capacitances compared to silicon MOSFETs. The new CoolGaN 400 V device will appeal to audio product designers looking for a premium solution for home or professional Class D amplifiers.