A highly efficient evaluation platform, the board features a Class D amplifier and companion power supply optimised for sound quality, thermal performance, cost, and size. Together, the boards provide an exceptional reference design for the development of a low-cost, high-performance audio system.
The GaN Systems GS-EVB-AUD-xx1-GS platform is available as a Class D amplifier board only (GS-EVB-AUD-AMP1-GS) or bundled with a switch-mode power supply (SMPS) board (GS-EVB-AUD-BUNDLE1-GS).
The evaluation platform delivers outstanding sound quality through increased bandwidth and reduced total harmonic distortion. The integrated Class D amplifier features a two-channel, stand-alone, bridge-tied-load design with support for extendibility and scalability. The versatile amplifier is capable of switching between open-loop and closed-loop designs with optimised DSP control of each configuration. The Class D amplifier features an output power of 75 W to 250 W, while the companion SMPS offers an output power of 400 W and is scalable to 500 W. The SMPS also features a split rail output and incorporates an EMI/EMC filter.
Both the Class D amplifier and the SMPS boards include GaN Systems’ enhancement-mode high electron mobility transistors (E-HEMTs) which incorporate GaN Systems’ Island Technology cell layout to reduce both the device size and cost, while delivering substantially higher current and better performance than other GaN devices.
The GaN Systems GS61008P, implemented in the Class D amplifier, is a bottom-side-cooled 100 V, 90 A E-HEMT that can be easily driven directly from a variety of GaN drivers. The GaN Systems GS66506T, implemented in the SMPS, is a top-side cooled 650 V, 22.5 A E-HEMT that is easy to drive from standard PFC and LLC controllers. Both transistors offer fast switching, zero reverse recovery charge, and low output capacitance.
