Texas Instruments Announces Low-Power GaN Portfolio Expansion
Texas Instruments (TI) (Nasdaq: TXN) has expanded its low-power gallium nitride (GaN) portfolio. This advancement is set to enhance power density, maximize system efficiency, and reduce the size of AC/DC consumer electronics and industrial systems. TI’s GaN field-effect transistors (FETs) with integrated gate drivers tackle thermal design challenges, enabling cooler adapters and more power in compact sizes.
Bringing Compact and Efficient Power Solutions to Consumers
Kannan Soundarapandian, general manager of High Voltage Power at TI, emphasized the consumer demand for smaller, portable power adapters with efficient charging. This portfolio expansion allows designers to leverage the benefits of low-power GaN technology in everyday applications, including mobile phone and laptop adapters, TV power units, and USB wall outlets. The portfolio also caters to industrial systems like power tools and server auxiliary power supplies.
Innovative GaN FETs with Integrated Gate Drivers
The new series includes the LMG3622, LMG3624, and LMG3626 GaN FETs, featuring industry-leading integrated current sensing. This eliminates the need for external shunt resistors, cutting power losses by up to 94% compared to traditional circuits. This efficiency is a significant stride forward in current-sensing technology.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Simplifying Thermal Design
TI’s GaN FETs with integrated gate drivers promote faster switching speeds, preventing adapter overheating. These devices enable up to 94% system efficiency for applications under 75W and over 95% for those above 75W. Designers can also shrink the size of a typical 67-W power adapter by up to 50% compared to silicon-based alternatives.
Optimized for Common AC/DC Power Conversion Topologies
The portfolio is tailored for prevalent AC/DC power conversion topologies, including quasi-resonant flyback and totem-pole power factor correction. This optimization supports diverse design needs in AC/DC power conversion.
TI’s Commitment to GaN Manufacturing
TI boasts over a decade of investment in GaN technology manufacturing, with an extensive global network of internal operations. With plans to internally manufacture more than 90% of its products by 2030, TI ensures dependable long-term capacity for its customers.
Pricing and Availability
The LMG3622 and LMG3626 are currently available in production quantities, with the LMG3624 in pre-production. These are purchasable on TI.com/GaN, starting at $3.18 for 1,000-unit orders. Available in a compact package, the series also offers evaluation modules starting at $250.
