12-V high-efficiency audio reference designs employ GaN power transistors

GaN Systems published the company’s latest technical manual titled, “12V High-Efficiency Audio Reference Designs using GaN Power Transistors.” The technical manual was developed in response to the well-received launch of GaN Systems Class-D audio amplifier evaluation kit in May 2020 and from growing customer interest for designs in the 12V market for automotive, marine, powersports, and other applications from power system design engineers.

High-quality audio is now a “must-have” across all segments from Pro-Audio, Home-Audio, and Portable Audio. Class-D audio systems with GaN are not only smaller and lighter but provide better sound quality.

The new technical manual provides several amplifier designs for 12V input systems using GaN Systems’ Class-D audio amplifier evaluation kit, which includes a 2 channel, 200W per channel (8 ohm) Class-D audio amplifier and companion 400W, continuous power audio-grade SMPS, including:

• Single-Phase and Dual-Phase 12V Boost Converter design supports both a ‘direct’ +12V to +18V Single-Rail Power Supply, and a ‘boosted’ +12V to +18V Single-Rail Power Supply configuration.
• Direct +12V to +18V VIN Supply to +/- 32V VOUT Boost Converter design supports a ‘direct’ +12V to +18V VIN supply and allows for the best cost versus power output trade-off, while maintaining the desired audio performance.

In audio systems, delivering more power and more channels typically meant driving up size and weight and sacrificing sound quality. With GaN, designers can provide more power, more channels, better sound quality in small, lightweight solutions.

This technical manual, as well as the aforementioned Class D amplifier and power supply kit and white paper, “See, Feel, and Hear the Difference with GaN Class-D Amplifier and Companion SMPS,” are available at gansystems.com.