Whitepaper Details Important GaN Systems’ Advantages in Class-D Audio

Not all Class-D amplifier transistor approaches are the same as latest whitepaper shows comparing various GaN and Silicon devices

Key Takeaways

  • GaN Systems newest whitepaper, “GaN in Class-D Audio:Advantages with GaN Systems – a Comparative Look,” reviews the various GaN and Silicon transistor approaches in Class-D audio amplifier design techniques.
  • GaN and Silicon solutions were assessed in many areas of differentiation: device parameters and characteristics, performance, application circuit complexity, and ease of manufacturing.
  • Highlights from study: GaN Systems THD+N vs. Frequency Plot is virtually flat,indicating no increased distortion as the frequency is increased to 20kHz and beyond. Additionally, near-perfect switching waveforms demonstrate a virtually transparent replication of the audio output.

OTTAWA, Ontario, September 14, 2020 – GaN Systems, the global leader in GaN (gallium nitride) power semiconductors, today released its newest whitepaper, “GaN in Class-D Audio: Advantages with GaN Systems – a Comparative Look,” which reviews the various GaN and Silicon transistor approaches in Class-D audio amplifier design techniques. The document identifies and compares the most popular GaN-based transistor and Silicon MOSFET solutions for high-performance Class-D amplifier applications, including the GaN Systems Class-D Amplifier and Companion SMPS Evaluation Kit.

As described in the whitepaper, GaN and Silicon solutions were assessed in many areas of differentiation: device parameters and characteristics, performance, application circuit complexity, and ease of manufacturing. Highlights from the comparative study show that the GaN Systems THD+N vs. Frequency Plot is virtually flat, indicating no increased distortion as the frequency is increased to 20kHz and beyond. Additionally, near-perfect switching waveforms demonstrate a virtually transparent replication of the audio output.

“Customer responses to our Class-D audio designs have been great,” says Jim Witham, CEO of GaN Systems. “Our ability to deliver very cost-effective solutions with high reliability transistors has enabled designers to create a new generation of innovative and affordable products that deliver unsurpassed audio performance in smaller form factors.”

Demand for high quality audio is fueling the growth of the Class-D audio amplifier market, which is expected to reach $4.92 billion by 2026 from $2.49 billion in 2018 according to Allied Market Research. With advancements in the semiconductor technology, including the use of GaN, Class-D amplifiers are now being used in more audio applications including home theaters, high power smart speakers, pro touring amplifiers, portable party speakers, automotive, marine and power sports.

For more information, please download the whitepaper here. Additional resources, include:

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About GaN Systems

GaN Systems is the global leader in GaN power semiconductors with the largest portfolio of transistors that uniquely address the needs of today’s most demanding industries including consumer electronics, data center servers and power supplies, renewable energy systems, industrial motors, and automotive electronics. As a market-leading innovator, GaN Systems makes possible the design of smaller, lower cost, more efficient power systems. The company’s award-winning products provide system design opportunities free from the limitations of yesterday’s silicon. By changing the rules of transistor performance, GaN Systems is enabling power conversion companies to revolutionize their industries and transform the world. For more information, please visit: www.gansystems.com or on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and scan this QR code for our WeChat.


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Key Takeaways

  • GaN Systems newest whitepaper, “GaN in Class-D Audio:Advantages with GaN Systems – a Comparative Look,” reviews the various GaN and Silicon transistor approaches in Class-D audio amplifier design techniques.
  • GaN and Silicon solutions were assessed in many areas of differentiation: device parameters and characteristics, performance, application circuit complexity, and ease of manufacturing.
  • Highlights from study: GaN Systems THD+N vs. Frequency Plot is virtually flat,indicating no increased distortion as the frequency is increased to 20kHz and beyond. Additionally, near-perfect switching waveforms demonstrate a virtually transparent replication of the audio output.

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Quotes

Customer responses to our Class-D audio designs have been great. Our ability to deliver very cost-effective solutions with high reliability transis...
Jim WithamCEO of GaN Systems

Related Bios

Jim Witham
GaN Systems CEO
Jim Witham’s career has focused on bringing new technology, like GaN Systems’ world’s best performing power transistors, to the Electronics market.

Witham joined GaN Systems from Neoconix, a manufacturer of high density, miniature connectors. As CEO of Neoconix, he successfully implemented strategic changes which dramatically increased revenue and resulted in the company’s acquisition by Unimicron Technology. Prior to Neoconix, Witham was CEO of Fultec Semiconductor, where his team made circuit protection devices using high voltage silicon, silicon carbide and gallium nitride (GaN) transistors. Fultec was acquired by circuit protection market leader Bourns. Witham has also held VP Sales & Marketing positions at Aegis Semiconductor, a tunable filter semiconductor manufacturer and Genoa, a semiconductor optical amplifier manufacturer.

Other notable career highlights include senior executive positions at Raychem, including General Manager of the Raychem Interconnect Division and Director of Asia Sales & Marketing, based in Japan, for the Raychem Circuit Protection Division. As an Engineering Specialist at General Dynamics’ Space System Division during the eighties, Witham designed fluid systems for the Space Shuttle and was on Mission Control for interplanetary missions. Witham holds an MBA from Harvard and both M.S. and B.S. with distinction in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford.
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