News: Microelectronics
10 December 2020
Dell adopts Navitas’ GaNFast ICs for laptop fast charger
Navitas Semiconductor Inc of El Segundo, CA, USA says that Dell Technologies has adopted gallium nitride (GaN) technology for the first time, using its GaNFast power ICs.
Founded in 2014, Navitas introduced what it claimed to be the first commercial GaN power ICs. The firm says that its proprietary ‘AllGaN’ process design kit (PDK) monolithically integrates GaN power field-effect transistors (FETs) with GaN analog and logic circuits, enabling faster charging, higher power density and greater energy savings for mobile, consumer, enterprise, eMobility and new energy markets.
The Dell USB-C Enhanced Power Adapter PA901 is a dual-output fast charger with 90W available via USB-C cable for high-power laptop charging, and an extra 10W via USB-A to simultaneously charge a smartphone. The adapter unleashes Dell ExpressCharge for a quick boost of up to 35% in just 15 minutes and will charge the Dell Latitude up to 80% in under an hour.
GaNFast power ICs integrate a GaN power (FET) with drive, control and protection to enable up to 3x more power in half the size and weight compared with silicon-based solutions, says Navitas. Over 9 million GaNFast power ICs have been shipped with zero failures.
GaNFast technology delivering the small size, low weight and cool operation that are critical for mobile fast charging, says Navitas’ CEO & co-founder Gene Sheridan. “Dell’s adoption of fast-charging GaN is another blow to the old, slow, silicon chip,” he adds. “Navitas’ design, applications and quality teams passed a series of rigorous technology, performance and reliability reviews with Dell to ensure a safe and successful adapter launch.”
Two NV6117 GaNFast power ICs are used in the Dell adapter: one for the critical conduction mode (CrCM) boost power factor correction circuit (PFC), and one for the DC-DC quasi-resonant (QR) flyback. The adapter was designed and built for Dell by Chicony Power Technology of Taipei, Taiwan, with support from local Navitas application engineering.
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