This innovative performance boost is achieved using an in-house developed high-voltage GaN switch technology.
The InnoSwitch3-CP, InnoSwitch3-EP, and InnoSwitch3-Pro quasi-resonant integrated circuits combine primary, secondary, and feedback circuitry in a single surface-mount package. In the newly released family members, GaN switches replace traditional high-voltage silicon transistors on the IC's primary side, reducing conduction losses when current flows and significantly lowering switching losses during operation. This results in substantially less wasted energy and, therefore, greater efficiency and power delivery from the space-saving InSOP-24D package.
Targeted at flyback or high-efficiency designs, such as USB-PD and high-current chargers/adapters for mobile devices, set-top boxes, displays, household appliances, networking products, and gaming devices, the new ICs provide precise CV/CC/CP independent of external components and easily connect to fast-charging protocol ICs. The InnoSwitch3-CP and EP variants are hardware-configurable, while the InnoSwitch3-Pro incorporates a sophisticated digital interface for software control of CV and CC setpoints, excluding drive and safety mode options.
Comments from Balu Balakrishnan, President and CEO of Power Integrations: “GaN is a fundamental technology that offers significant efficiency and size benefits over silicon. We anticipate a rapid shift from silicon transistors to GaN in many power applications. InnoSwitch3 has been the clear technology leader in the offline switch market since we launched the silicon variants 18 months ago, and the new GaN-based ICs further extend our leadership by advancing both the efficiency and power handling capabilities of our flyback products.”
The new InnoSwitch3 ICs from Power Integrations are available now, priced at $4/unit in quantities of 10,000. Five new reference designs describing 60W to 100W USB-PD chargers are available on the Power Integrations website, along with an automated design tool, PI Expert™, and other technical support documentation.
