"GaN Adaptors Are Smaller, More Powerful, And More Efficient, Offering Up To 95% Efficiency Compared To 80-85% In Silicon Ones"

What challenges arise when designing electronic products with GaN technology? Subhendu S. Satpathy of Mokkomotto, creator of a 65W GaN charger for all devices, shares his insight with EFY's Nidhi Agarwal.

- Nidhi Agarwal

What are the benefits of using Gan instead of silicon in power adaptors?

Power adaptors used to vary for each device due to different connectors. With standardised connectors, chargers are unified. Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology operates at high frequencies and reduces adaptor size by minimising electromagnetic components. GaN adaptors are smaller, more powerful, and more efficient, offering up to 95% efficiency compared to 80-85% in silicon ones. This leads to faster charging speeds and the ability to charge multiple devices with one compact adaptor.

What are the challenges in Gan design?

Significant challenges arise at the PCB level, particularly with noise-complaint routing and external noise prevention. As electronic devices become smaller, selecting the right components to meet size targets is critical. The PCB layout, component selection, and manufacturing must be meticulously planned. Issues such as parasitic inductance and thermal management are crucial, especially when using GaN, which remains cooler than traditional silicon and enhances thermal dissipation. effective thermal management is essential in high-power applications, requiring expert design of high-frequency adaptors or converters.

How do you combine Gan devices with components like power adaptors?