New Power Supply for Gaming Enthusiasts Increases Clean Power Output in a Cooler, Smaller Unit
GOLETA, Calif.— Transphorm Inc. confirmed that its GaN FETs are used in CORSAIR’s new AX1600i Power Supply Unit (PSU). CORSAIR supplies the gaming community with high-performance products used in custom PCs. The company’s latest product establishes a new class of AC to DC PSUs, as it is the first to use GaN and achieves 99 percent efficiency. Transphorm’s GaN increases the PSU’s power output by 6.5 percent in an 11 percent smaller package at the same temperature.
GaN: The New Edge
The AX1600i uses Transphorm’s TPH3205WS 650V FETs in a bridgeless totem-pole power factor correction (PFC)—the topology that complements GaN’s performance and efficiency potential. With an increase of 6 percent within this topology, CORSAIR’s PSU efficiency now earns a better-than an 80 PLUS® Titanium rating.[Previous CORSAIR power supplies used Silicon (Si) superjunction (SJ) MOSFETs in a 2-phased interleaved PFC, reaching 93 percent efficiency.]
After researching market-available GaN devices, CORSAIR chose Transphorm’s FETs as they enabled the AX1600i to deliver new benchmarks compared to the previous AX1500i:
· Power output: 1600W, 6.5 percent increase
· Size reduction: 20 mm shorter, 11 percent smaller
· Thermal impact: equivalent 50°C continuous output
· Audible noise impact: slower fan speed, less noise at full load
CORSAIR noted that Transphorm’s packaging also played a role in its selection process. The TPH3205WS comes in a commonly used TO-247 package, reducing some design complexity.
Collaboration: The Transphorm Edge
Transphorm’s commitment to high quality and reliability extends beyond the technology. Gallium Nitride devices are higher frequency, sometimes requiring different design techniques than previously used with Si. The company’s GaN experts collaborate regularly with customers to provide guidance as well as to identify areas of opportunity for future platform innovation and customer design resources.
Regarding the AX1600i project, Transphorm supported CORSAIR during both the prototyping and the design validation testing phases. CORSAIR tapped Transphorm’s teams on the ground in both Shenzhen, China, and California, U.S.
