Design high-performance Class-D audio amplifiers with GaN FETs

EPC will be showing its new EPC9192, reference design enabling powerful, compact, and efficient Class-D audio amplifiers. The EPC9192 showcases the capabilities of EPC's 200 V, EPC2307, eGaN FETs in a ground-referenced, split dual supply Single-Ended (SE) design, delivering 700W per channel into a 4Ω load.

The EPC9192 features a modular design that allows for scalability and expandability. The motherboard hosts two PWM modulators and two half bridge power stage daughterboards, implementing a two-channel amplifier with housekeeping supplies and protections. This design flexibility enables users to customise the PWM modulator and power stage, facilitating the evaluation and comparison of different devices and modulation techniques.

Key features of the EPC9192 include:

• 700W Class-D power stage in a compact size of four in three including output filter and heatsink
• Single regulated 12V power supply input for housekeeping
• Dual split supply input, unregulated, ±42V to ±85V for power stage
• Analog inputs balanced (XLR) or unbalanced (RCA)
• Configurable for two independent SE channels or single channel BTL mode
• Undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, and overtemperature protections
• Greater than 600kHz switching frequency

Key performance measurements of the EPC9192 include:

• 700W @ 2Ω – 4Ω / 350W @ 8Ω / channel
• BTL capable (1400W @ 4Ω – 8Ω)
• Less than 0.005% THD+N, > 120dB SNR
• Noise floor: 40µV
• Frequency response: 5Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.5 dB, regardless of load

"The EPC9192 is a powerful tool for audio amplifier designers looking to leverage the benefits of GaN technology," said Alex Lidow, CEO of EPC. "With high-power density and scalability, it enables rapid prototyping of compact, high-performance Class-D amplifiers."

Price and availability

• The EPC9192 evaluation boards are priced at $948.48.
• The EPC2307 is priced at $3.28/ea in 3Ku reels.
• Reference design boards and devices are available for immediate delivery from DigiKey.