The application of gallium nitride in audio helps companies develop audio systems with better sound effects, higher performance, smaller size and more eye-catching features. The latest reference design released by GaN Systems includes the second-generation power amplifier and switching power supply, which more intuitively demonstrates the advantages of gan technology in audio applications.

    Gallium nitride Systems released the second-generation audio power amplifier and the reference design of the matching power supply today, optimizing sound quality, heat dissipation, size and cost. This evaluation kit includes a dual-channel (200W per channel, 8 ohms) Class D audio amplifier with 96% efficiency and a matching 400W continuous power, 550W peak power audio-grade switching power supply. It helps audio design engineers create high-quality audio products more quickly, shorten time to market and reduce costs.
    The second-generation reference design has reduced the overall size of the power supply by 20%. It offers a higher level of protection against the low-impedance load of the amplifier and provides better heat dissipation, thereby reducing the temperature by 10°C. In addition to these significant improvements, this second-generation design has also reduced material costs.
Entertainment and music have become important components of all aspects of our lives today. With audio consumption reaching a record high, high-quality audio has become a necessity in all audio fields. Class D audio systems using gallium nitride technology can offer better sound quality and are smaller in size and lighter in weight.
    The second-generation reference design helps engineers develop audio designs that do not require a heat sink and can self-power (AC line input), without the need for an external DC power supply. Due to the high integration of the controller and signal processor, the circuit board size is smaller.
    This reference design employs gallium nitride transistors and advanced control technology, achieving extremely high efficiency over a wide load range. Designers can extend it to higher power by choosing different magnetic components and gallium nitride transistors.
    In addition, this design is plug-and-play and also features multiple audio signal inputs, bridging load outputs, and open-loop/closed-loop switching functions.

Develop innovative audio in collaboration with gallium nitride systems
    Since the release of the best-performance Class D audio power amplifier and the matching switching power supply kit in May 2020, Gallium nitride Systems has been taking continuous actions in this field. Our power transistors have been adopted in multiple high-performance audio solutions, including the Syng Alpha Cell speaker, which was named one of the 100 best inventions of TIME in 2021. It is also used in Orchard Audio's Starkrimson Stereo Ultra amplifier and the integrated Starkrimson Streamer Ultra amplifier.
    In Cell Alpha, transistors of the gallium nitride system are used in the power supply design and can provide a peak transient power of nearly 750W. The Cell Alpha power supply is suitable for any location, generates the least heat, and meets the continuous and transient power supply requirements of the system.
    The Streamer Ultra system offers outstanding sound quality and performance in an exquisite package, providing the same functionality as a rack filled with components was once required. Gallium nitride systems are helping the company achieve:
    5 to 10 times better THD+N
    20dB better background noise (system level)
    4 to 5 times better frequency response
    Power loss is reduced by four times
    Gallium nitride system power transistors are a key member of the next-generation audio products. Gallium nitride was widely accepted in various fields in 2021, and it will get even better in 2022. Gallium nitride systems predict that the application of gallium nitride in the D-class audio market will grow exponentially. In 2022, all major audio companies will launch gallium nitride audio products.