Driver IC optimises Class-D audio amps with GaN output FETs
In class-D audio amplifiers, this high-speed FET driver enables low jitter switching with GaN technology to deliver superior audio performance.
The PE29102 is intended for either half-bridge or full-bridge configurations. It integrates resistor-settable, internal dead-time control and its design is aimed at preserving the integrity of the incoming audio signal. When used in conjunction with GaN FETs, low dead times minimize crossover distortion in class-D applications. The PE29102’s phase-control pins enable the same part to be used for both phases in bridge-tied load (BTL) configurations—a technique used in audio amplifiers. It has an output source current of 2A and an output sink current of 4A. The PE29102 handles voltages up to 60V and supports a gate drive up to 6V.
Offered as a 2 x 1.6 mm flip-chip die, PE29102 volume-production parts, samples and evaluation kits are available now.
Peregrine adds; Audio systems are challenged to both minimize size and deliver exceptional audio quality to listeners, at lowest distortion. MOSFET components have parasitic diodes and gate capacitance that creates jitter and distortion in class-D audio systems, whereas GaN FETs have much smaller gate capacitance and lower parasitics. GaN transistors can beat MOSFET jitter performance by a factor of ten and deliver reduced distortion and smooth sound, the company asserts. GaN transistors need an optimized gate driver. The PE29102’s high switching speeds result in smaller peripheral components and enable innovative designs for applications such as class-D audio. A video clip is here.
To showcase the GaN-enabling capabilities of this driver, Peregrine developed evaluation kits with two GaN transistor providers—GaN Systems and EPC.
Paul Wiener, vice president of strategic marketing at GaN power device maker GaN Systems comments, “Our customers have validated the improved sound quality with GaN-based circuits, and we see the pairing of Peregrine’s driver and GaN Systems’ transistors as the superior solution in applications such as class-D audio, bi-directional DC-DC, and push-pull DC-AC power supplies.”
For Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC) CEO and co-founder Alex Lidow offers, “GaN is disrupting traditional, power MOSFET markets… in class-D audio systems, the audio performance is impacted by the FET characteristics. Our enhancement-mode GaN (‘eGaN’) transistors enable a significant increase in the sonic quality and higher efficiency. High-speed FET drivers… are critical to unlocking the performance potential of eGaN FET technology in applications like class-D audio.”
The GaN Systems GS61004B evaluation board allows the user to evaluate the PE29102 gate driver in a full-bridge configuration. The evaluation board is assembled with two PE29102 FET drivers and four GS61004B GaN transistors. The full-bridge board is available from Peregrine as EK29102-03, GaN Systems as GS61004B-EVBCD and distributor Richardson RFPD under both part numbers.
The EPC9086 is a half-bridge board that uses one PE29102 to drive the 30V, 15A EPC2111 EPC eGaN® half bridge. This board is available from EPC via its distributor Digi-Key.
Peregrine; www.psemi.com/products/gan-fet-driver/pe29102
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