EPC and Innosonix Address Power Consumption and Overall Efficiency Demands for High-end Audio Amplifier with eGaN FET Design

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — September 2021 — Idle power consumption and overall efficiency were key concerns of innosonix GmBH when designing its latest high-end Maxx Series multi-channel power amplifier. By changing from traditional silicon FETs to EPC’s EPC2059 eGaN FET the company reduced idle loss by 35% and lowered the on resistance to increase the total power efficiency by 5%.

The EPC2059 is a 6.8 mΩ, 170 V enhancement-mode gallium nitride (eGaN) transistor offering superior audio performance for high-end amplifier applications. The low on resistance and low capacitance of the EPC2059 enables high efficiency and lowers open loop impedance for low Transient Intermodulation Distortion (T-IMD). The fast-switching capability and zero reverse recovery charge enable higher output linearity and low cross over distortion for lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

By using the EPC2059 eGaN FET, innosonix was able to decrease the idle switching loss as the total gate charge was nearly reduced by half. The output capacitance only doubled for tripling the max drain voltage enabling Innosonix to switch from a full-bridge to a half-bridge design, which also reduced component count costs. The low package inductance gives a clean switching waveform which leads to a nearly perfect switching voltage and, therefore, better linearity. This resulted in a reduction in harmonic distortion of almost 6dB and the subjective audio quality has improved audibly, to benefit customers.

The MAxx multi-channel power amplifiers mark an unprecedented standard for high-end audio installations in residential, science, industry and many other applications where high channel count is required. Paired with an unseen low power consumption per channel, the MAxx series perfectly fits the modern world's requirements to reduce CO² emissions since many devices are running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The MAxx series will offer the highest channel count per rack space in one single unit. This high-density package offers a completely new design perspective not possible with conventional solutions.

“We are delighted to be working with EPC. As a small company, it's not always easy to do business with some large semiconductor manufacturers and to be taken seriously. We chose the EPC2059 eGaN FET as it perfectly matches innosonix’s voltage current and price requirements and its’ small form factor is an impressive feature for designing high-density circuits”, commented Markus Bätz, CEO, innosonix.

Wolfram Krüger, EPC’s VP Sales Europe added, “This application is a great example of the real benefits that GaN brings and, together with our distriubtion partner FinePower, we have worked closely with innosonix to find the best eGaN FET to meet the design challenges that the Maxx power amplifier brings.”

About EPC

EPC is the leader in enhancement-mode gallium nitride (eGaN®) based power management. eGaN FETs and integrated circuits provide performance many times greater than the best silicon power MOSFETs in applications such as DC-DC converters, remote sensing technology (lidar), motor drives for eMobility, robotics, and drones, and low cost satellites.

About Innosonix

The multi-channel audio amplifier specialist, made in Germany. The first choice when it comes to high-quality audio for installations in the residential / marina market or research and technical acoustics where high channel counts on small spaces are required.