Collaborative Innovation by Infineon and Chicony Power Unleashes High-Efficiency GaN-Based PD3.1 Notebook Adapters

Published  August 17, 2023   0
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GaN-Based PD3.1 Notebook Adapters

In a strategic alliance aimed at revolutionizing power conversion and reducing environmental impact, Infineon Technologies AG and Chicony Power Technology join forces to enhance the capabilities of the PD3.1 notebook adapter series. Infineon's pioneering gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology enables power efficiency improvements, while Chicony Power's expertise in power electronics brings forth a more compact and high-performance notebook adapter solution. This partnership not only marks a significant leap in computing power but also underscores their shared commitment to sustainability.

The collaboration leverages the USB PD 3.1 standard introduced in 2021 and Chicony Power's prowess in power adapter design. By harnessing Infineon's CoolGaN™ and CoolMOS™ technology, the latest PD3.1 notebook adapter series achieves unprecedented power density gains, boasting a remarkable 30% increase in comparison to prior solutions. This advancement is attributed to a novel topology that minimizes switching and conduction losses. With the ability to deliver up to 240 watts – a substantial improvement over the 100W threshold set by USB 3.0 – the adapters are engineered to efficiently charge high-performance devices like gaming laptops and multimedia workstations through USB-C power delivery. These adapters have the potential to serve as universal power sources for a wide array of electronic devices.

"Weaving our gallium nitride expertise into applications and system solutions, we're driving efficiency and mobility in high-performance computing," noted Adam White, President of Infineon’s Power and Sensor Systems Division. The marriage of CoolGaN technology with Chicony Power's innovation unlocks new design possibilities for PD3.1 adapters, cultivating a pathway for users to embrace energy-efficient computing without compromising mobility. This venture aligns with their shared mission to advance decarbonization and digitalization in tandem.

Yang Wang, VP R&D of Chicony Power, lauded the synergy between the two companies, stating, "Infineon has emerged as an invaluable partner in energy conversion and efficiency. Our expedited development of the PD3.1 product series, supported by the superior capabilities of both entities, solidifies our market leadership." Wang emphasized the paramount importance of power and size for mobile professionals. Through the fusion of gallium nitride and silicon semiconductors, these adapters bolster power density while minimizing losses, resonating with environmentally-conscious users seeking to curtail their carbon footprint during their on-the-go pursuits.