GaN Systems extends Class D audio portfolio

Adding to its building blocks of GaN-powered audio solutions, GaN Systems has expanded its Class D audio portfolio with the launch of two Class-D high-performance GaN FET amplifier modules and two audio boost converter solutions for marine, automotive, and battery-powered vehicles. With these new devices, GaN Systems now provides a portfolio of turnkey amplifier designs, power supplies, and boost converters for audio systems designers across automotive, home, and professional markets.

“The new designs are optimized for sound quality, efficiency (no heat sinks), size, and cost—while enabling audio design engineers to create premium audio products more quickly at affordable prices while reducing time to market,” said GaN Systems.

Class D audio boards (Source: GaN Systems)

The new lineup, leveraging the GS61008P GaN power transistors, includes the following new products.

210-W and 300-W audio boost converters: The two new high-voltage boost converter reference designs include a 210-watt continuous/300-watt peak power source and a 300-watt continuous/500-watt peak power source for manufacturers of standalone mono, stereo, and multi-channel automotive and marine amplifiers. The complete audio boost converter solutions include a wide DC supply voltage input range from 9 VDC to 16 VDC and a 32-V output. They are load dump compatible with differential-primary-drive transformer topology.

OL200DS and CL200M modules: These devices, available in quad half-bridge or dual bridge-tied load (BTL) topology for ground referenced output, are self-contained 200-watt-per-channel Class-D amplifier modules designed for manufacturers of powered loudspeakers and standalone stereo and multi-channel amplifiers.

“The GaN open loop approach provides an ideal switching form for Class D amplifiers with fewer downsides than silicon,” said GaN Systems, and “the high switching signal performance delivers a dual feedback loop that performs better than a single loop/closed filter.

The OL200DS is designed as two independent half-bridge outputs for both stereo and single-channel applications. Key features include 50 watts/channel × 4 half-bridge into 8Ω, 200 W/channel × 2 BTL into 8Ω, a THD+N of less than 0.01%, and >114-dB SNR.

The CL200M does not require a heat sink under normal conditions, said GaN Systems. Thermal protection is provided for worst-case thermal environments, and 96% efficiency reduces heat and system size. Key specifications include 200 W/channel into 8Ω, a THD+N of <0.04%, and >108-db SNR.