Wide-Bandgap Semis
    Gallium Nitride (GaN) enables high power Class-D solutions with superior sound, efficiency, and thermal performance

    Amplifier Evaluation Kit for Class-D Audio Systems

    05/14/2020

    GaN Systems announced the debut and availability of a new amplifier evaluation kit for high sound quality Class-D audio systems. The evaluation kit includes a 2 channel, 200W per channel (8 ohm) Class-D audio amplifier and companion 400W, continuous power audio-grade SMPS. This solution highlights an easy plug and play design with features such as multi-audio signal inputs, bridge-tied load output, and open-loop/closed-loop toggling. With GaN, the design is very efficient and operates without heatsinks. These features allow audio design engineers to create premium audio products at shorter time to market and at an affordable price.

    The convergence of audio trends including demand for more power, size and weight reduction, and growing consumer demand for better audio quality requires innovative approaches to enhance sound quality, increase efficiency, and reduce size which is served by GaN power semiconductors. Applications include smart speakers to automotive and high-end home audio systems.

    Evaluation Kit Performance

    • 200W/Ch (8Ω), 300W/Ch (4Ω) amplifier with 96% efficiency
    • 400W continuous, 550W peak companion SMPS
    • < 0.01% THD+N (8Ω, 1W, 20Hz to 20kHz)
    • +/‐0.5dB frequency response to 50kHz
    • High efficiency and no heatsinks, reducing size, weight, and total system cost
    • Good EMI/EMC performance due to reduced ringing/noise

    For more information, please visit GaN Systems.

    Related

    Transformer Design Comparisons for Mitigating EMI in Gate Driver Circuits

    Mar 29,2026
    Matthew Russell, Master’s student at University College Cork, and a student engineer at Bourns Electronics Ireland

    Revolutionizing Power Electronics: Silver Adhesive Pastes for Next-Gen Semiconductor Reliability and Thermal Performance

    Mar 1,2026
    Yoshinori Fushimi, Product Manager for Silver Adhesive Paste, TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.

    Power Systems Design

    146 Charles Street
    Annapolis, Maryland 21401 USA

    Power Systems Design

    Published by Power Systems (PSD) serves all aspects of the Power Electronics market including but not limited to Power Conversion, Power Management, Intelligent and Embedded Motion, Automotive, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Lighting. PSD is published 10x per year in English with separate print editions for Europe and North America and is published 6x per year in China. PSD Apps are available for Android & iOS. Additionally qualified power engineering professionals may subscribe and receive PSD daily PowerSurge newsletters.