What's GaN technology and why do you need it?
1. Definition of a GaN charger:
Gallium nitride, or GaN, is a material that's starting to be used for semiconductors in chargers. It was used to make LEDs starting in the '90s, and it's also a popular material for solar cell arrays on satellites. The main thing about GaN when it comes to chargers is that it produces less heat. Less heat means components can be closer together, so a charger can be smaller than ever before—while maintaining all the power capabilities and safety standards.
2. How it works:
GaN chargers use GaN semiconductors instead of traditional silicon semiconductors in the power conversion process. GaN semiconductors have several advantages over silicon, including faster switching speeds and higher breakdown voltage. This means that GaN chargers can operate at higher frequencies, resulting in smaller and more efficient chargers.
When an AC power source is connected to a GaN charger, it is first converted to DC power by a rectifier. The DC power is then converted to a high-frequency AC signal by a high-frequency inverter that uses GaN semiconductors. The high-frequency AC signal is then transformed to a lower voltage level and rectified back to DC power by a transformer and rectifier circuit. The final DC output voltage is then smoothed by a filter capacitor before being supplied to the device being charged.
3.Advantages of a GaN charger:
Higher efficiency: GaN chargers can convert AC power to DC power with higher efficiency than silicon-based chargers. This means that they waste less energy as heat, resulting in cooler and more efficient chargers.
Faster charging: Due to their higher efficiency and faster switching speeds, GaN chargers can charge devices faster than traditional chargers.
Smaller size: GaN chargers can operate at higher frequencies, allowing for smaller and more compact chargers.
Lower heat dissipation: GaN chargers generate less heat than traditional chargers, which reduces the need for heat sinks and fans, resulting in smaller and more compact chargers.
Lower electromagnetic interference (EMI): Due to their high-frequency operation, GaN chargers generate less electromagnetic interference than traditional chargers, resulting in less interference with other electronic devices.
