The new groundbreaking GaN-based 500W Class-D heatsinkless audio amplifier is the result of a cooperation between Dutch company Axign and GaN Systems, resulting in a new system design that reveals a "new world of extraordinary audio performance" in the company's words. For the development the two companies merged their best-in-class technologies, including GaN Systems’ GaN power transistors and Axign’s Class-D amplifier controller, enabling companies to create unique audio systems that are smaller, sleeker, more efficient, more powerful, and provide better audio quality than previous generations.
This reference design now available to the audio industry can be heard for the first time at CES 2022, where GaN Systems is promoting its world premiere. By leveraging the technology developed and Axign, implementing a digital control loop with feedback behind the output filter, across the loudspeaker terminals, that suppresses all artifacts and provides dramatically improved audio quality. Combined with the proven benefits of GaN technology, the solution signals the next leap in efficiency and sound quality performance as audio needs have evolved. A design that the companies believe will be ideal for consumer and automotive audio applications.
According to the information provided by GaN Systems, the Class-D audio amplifier reference design already shows impressive specifications, with a rated output power of 2x 250W in 4 Ohm BTL (optionally 1x 500W in 2 Ohm PBTL), and a frequency response 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.1dB, DC – 40kHz +/-3dB with a high dynamic range of 109dB-A in BTL (optionally 118dB-A in PBTL). Output noise voltage is measured at 110uV A-weighted, 20kHz AES17 (optionally 41uV in PBTL) with very low and flat THD levels, of <0.01% from 20Hz to 20kHz. Damping factor shows to be higher than 4000.
In addition to these key specs, audio designers will appreciate that this 500W Class-D audio amplifier reference design will help them solving several technical challenges, especially heat generation in high-power audio amplifiers, and efficiency. Designers will be able to eliminate heatsinks, thanks to GaN's efficiency, as the technology has lower switching and conduction losses and high-current capabilities. This will enable designs that respond to very demanding applications, such high-end systems working with high-resolution audio sources, and delivering enhanced sound quality with high-power. All this while staying within Class-A rated parameters at higher power, thanks to Axign's post-filter feedback Class-D controller that enables full control over the loudspeaker.
"GaN-based audio amplifiers and accompanying power supplies are becoming the standard in audio systems, expanding possibilities in design and performance. This collaboration with Axign for the 500W Class-D audio amplifier encapsulates this evolution allowing the delivery of smaller, lighter, and better sounding audio systems,” says Paul Wiener, GaN Systems’ VP of Strategic Marketing.
Commenting on the development, Richard Langezaal, Axign’s VP of Business Development, added: "Getting amazing sound quality and full control over the loudspeaker are just one of the many benefits of our 500W heatsinkless Class-D audio amplifier with GaN Systems. We are excited to shake up CES 2022 and the consumer audio market in displaying and demoing exciting audio technologies like these.”
Anyone interested in audio development and in particular high-fidelity sound should check the GaN Systems demonstration suite at CES 2022, where the Canadian company is demonstrating this new high-efficiency Class-D audio amplifier, together with the latest designs and products in power supply, wireless power, and automotive solutions at Tech East, Renaissance Hospitality Suites (next to the Las Vegas Convention Center), Suite 1232. This is also a unique opportunity to listen to the Syng Alpha Cell speaker, which leverages audio amplifiers powered by GaN Systems technology.
GaN Systems also recently updated its original evaluation kit, and released the GeN2 amplifier and companion SMPS reference design, shrinking the size and increasing its capabilities for Class-D audio designs.
www.axign.nl
www.gansystems.com
