SounDigital uses CoolGaN to boost sound quality
Audio equipment maker SounDigital has integrated Infineon CoolGaN transistors into its new 1500 W Class D amplifier, featuring an 800 kHz switching frequency and five channels.
According to the company, the technology has improved the energy efficiency of the amplifier by five percent and reduced energy loss by 60 percent.
SounDigital selected Infineon’s 100 V normally-off E-mode transistors: IGC033S101 in a PQFN-3x5 package and IGB110S101 in a PQFN-3x3 package. With their low on-resistance, the transistors suit high-current applications, enabling significant improvements in both sound quality and efficiency.
The GaN-based amplifier cuts power dissipation by 75 W, allowing for a 50 percent smaller heat sink. Additionally, the overall system size has been reduced by 40 percent. The audio quality has been improved by the CoolGaN transistors, with total harmonic distortion (THD) down by 70 percent, enabling a more precise and detailed sound experience. Idle current has been cut by 40 percent, significantly improving energy efficiency.
