Cambridge GaN Devices Expands GaN-based 140-240W USB-PD Development

Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD), the British fabless semiconductor company, dedicated to develop energy-efficient GaN-based power devices that make greener electronics possible, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) of Taiwan to develop high performance GaN solutions for USB-Power Delivery (USB-PD) adaptors. The MoU also covers the sharing of domestic and international market information, joint visits to potential customers and promotion.

STMicroelectronics has achieved USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) certification of two ICs for use in adapter (source) and device (sink) sides of a USB Power Delivery (USB PD) EPR power supply/charger product. The new ICs extend the range of a universal charger to 140W, allowing for a single AC to DC adapter to charge equipment such as computers, smart-home actuators, power tools, and e-bikes, as well as traditional applications including smartphones, TWS earbuds, and Bluetooth speakers.

Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation has released a synchronous boost converter with a new architecture of high-side and low-side switches that achieves a high efficiency to support for a variety of applications, including Bluetooth speakers and other battery-operated devices. The new synchronous boost converter is equipped with a fast transient response to reduce output voltage fluctuations in a short response time for stable power supply, making it ideally suited for devices which can exhibit significant current variations.

EPC announced the availability of the EPC9166, a 500W DC-DC demo board that converts a 12V input to 48V output. The EPC9166 demo board demonstrates the Renesas ISL81807 80V two-phase synchronous boost controller with the latest generation EPC2218 eGaN FETs from EPC to achieve greater than 96.5% efficiency in a 12V input to 48V regulated output conversion with 500kHz switching frequency. The output voltage can be configured to 36V, 48V, and 60V. The board can deliver 480W power without a heatsink.

Here’s something close to our hearts. This project from our own technical editor and renowned publisher of the famous Linear Audio bookzine collection, Jan Didden, is now campaigning on Kickstarter. With audio projects steadily getting smaller, the SilentSwitcher is an ideal low-noise +/-15V & 5V power supply board for mixed analog/digital projects with no audible noise, no mains hum, no RFI and minimal heat.

Renesas Electronics announced a new Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) controller that supports USB Power Delivery 3.0. The new controller features DC power supply with safe and secure power delivery technology that implements power supply and data communications over a single USB cable. Renesas also introduced the first power supply IC supporting the power rules requirements in USB 2.0 and 3.0 Power Delivery.