Search

Keeping Cool and Calm in Tight Environments — The GaN Way

The landscape for power adapters used to power everyday electronic devices ranging from phones to laptops has changed considerably since the introduction of USB-PD specifications and through its evolution. While USB-PD ensures wide-ranging compatibility, the power adapter design becomes somewhat more challenging: now, the power adapter has to support a wide range of output voltages (as opposed to a single output voltage for captive use adapters). Meanwhile, the end user’s desire for lighter, smaller adapters continues. Gallium nitride power switches have been introduced in recent years to address these dual requirements.

GaN devices offer lower conduction and switching losses compared with silicon devices that enable higher switching-frequency operation at high efficiency, hence lighter and smaller adapters. GaN-device–based designs require special attention because the gate voltage range is limited and the gate is susceptible to spurious turn-on and turn-off. However, GaN FETs with monolithically integrated drivers such as the TP44x00NM series from Tagore Technology make the implementation robust and easy in addition to offering space savings.

Tagore Technology Logo

Energy & Power Design Support

Allow us an opportunity to assess your project and help bring your vision to market faster.

About our Team of Experts

Our team of global applications engineers are available to answer your questions to ensure your power conversion or energy storage system design meets your performance expectations. If you’re transitioning from silicon to gallium nitride (GaN) or silicon carbide (SiC), we’ll help identify the right switching device to achieve the power density and increased efficiency your application requires.