GaN technology’s increasing adoption is likely to replace its conventional silicon counterpart in the future. This semiconductor material, when used in diodes and transistors in AC/DC adapter circuitry, enables faster charging times and better energy efficiency from higher switching speeds and lower power losses.
At the same time, its use ensures smaller, more lightweight and durable designs because GaN exhibits better thermal performance, eliminating the need for bulky heat management components such as heat sinks and fans. Such features also contribute to durability and safety. For these advantages, they suit mobile electronics, wearables wearables and medical devices.
However, this new and improved technology remains expensive owing to the high manufacturing cost and needed R&D investment involved, as well as the limited supply of the material. It’s why GaN is used in midrange and high-end applications at present.
Even so, with the potential to displace silicon as the de facto standard in power electronics, manufacturers of AC/DC adapters and other devices will pursue this technology in the coming years.
Lenovo, for instance, has introduced one which is said to be the smallest 140W GaN AC/DC adapter produced by a Chinese company. The device measures 64.94x66.83x30.48mm and weighs 239g. It has a power density of 1.06W per cubic meter and DOE Level VI efficiency and supports fast charging, which may be QC 3.0 or 5, PD 3.1, PPS or Apple 2.4A.
Other developments in this category in China is Baseus’ 120W quick charger based on GaN+SiC technology, which is said to be the first of its kind in the world. This product, with built-in foldable prongs, supports all fast-charging protocols. The company also released the Super Si adapter made for Apple devices.
Rapid growth
Demand for GaN AC/DC adapters has been significantly rising in recent years.
In China alone, the market surged to $83.33 million in 2021 from $13.88 million in 2020, according to AskCI Consulting. This will jump further, with $694 million projected for 2026. The country is the largest production base for this category and will likely remain so as more suppliers of AC/DC adapters are expected to venture into the GaN territory while those already offering them plan to increase their output.
Shanxi Ketong, a newly formed company, is spending $138 million on its GaN AC/DC adapter project. This involves the installation of 20 production lines to realize an annual production value of $220 million by 2026.
Power hub
There are over a hundred suppliers of GaN AC/DC adapters in China and the majority are domestically owned.
In addition to Baseus and Lenovo, the top companies are Ugreen, Anker and Xiaomi. Baseus ranks first in this category in China and the world, having achieved a total of $690 million total turnover in 2023.
Most Chinese manufacturers offer other types of power supplies, including conventional AC/DC adapters and switching power supplies. GaN adapters account for 20 to 60 percent of shipments at present, but this will increase in the years ahead.
More than half of the companies are found in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Zhongshan and Guangzhou, with others in Shanghai, Suzhou, Changzhou, Ningbo, Hangzhou and Wenzhou.
China-made GaN adapters
Widely available GaN-based AC/DC adapters from Chinese companies have a rated power of 30, 45, 55, 65 or 100W, 100 to 240V, 50/60Hz input and 5V 3A, 9V 3A, 12V 2.5A, 15V 2A or 20V 15A output. They can be made to support fast charging based on key protocols such as QC, PD, PPS, QC and Apple. Any customization is accommodated.
For safety, these devices have built-in protection from short circuits, and all types of overcurrent, -voltage and -temperature situations. In addition, most suppliers follow industry standards such as CCC, CE, EMC, FCC and UL.
ICs used in the production of GaN AC/DC adapters come from major providers such as Onsemi, NXP, TI, Infineon and Silergy as well as from homegrown suppliers, including DK, Reactor Microelectronics and Southchip.
USB connectors, passive components, PCBs and cases also come from domestic or overseas sources.
Despite the slight increase in IC costs in the past 12 months, most Chinese manufacturers kept their product prices unchanged. This trend will likely persist as competition heats up.
GaN AC/DC adapter, 140W rated power
Company: Guangdong Green Power Technology Co. Ltd
The LSN-393849-0287 from Guangdong Green Power is a GaN AC/DC adapter with 100 to 240VAC input voltage, 140W rated power and more than 88 percent operating efficiency. This CE-marked and RoHS-compliant unit has built-in protection from short- and open-circuits, and overcurrent, voltage and temperature.
MOQ: 50 units
Lead time: 7 days
AC/DC adapter, PD, PPS, QC, QC 3.0, FCP, AFC supported
Company: Huntkey Enterprise Co. Ltd
Huntkey’s AC/DC adapter, the HKC06520033-011, has 100 to 240VA, 50/60Hz, 1.5A input, and 5V 3A, 9V 3A, 12V 3A, 15V 3A or 20V 3.25A output for USB-C and 5 or 9V 3A for USB-A. This 32x32x59mm unit, weighing 120g, supports PD, PPS, QC, QC 3.0, FCP or AFC.
MOQ: 1,000 units
Lead time: 30 days
GaN AC/DC adapter, 60W rated power
Company: L Lab Corp. Ltd
The PST-60C2PB-6933 GaN AC/DC adapter from L Lab includes a 5,000mAh battery for dual functionality. It has 100 to 240VAC input voltage, 5, 9 or 12VDC USB-C input voltage at 18W, and 60W rated power. Protocol options are PD 3.0, BC 1.2, DCP 1.5 and Apple 2.4A.
MOQ: 1,000 units
Lead time: 20 days
GaN AC/DC adapter, 100 to 240V, 50/60Hz, up to 0.8A input
Company: Le Touch (Shenzhen) Electronics Co. Ltd
This SAA-marked GaN AC/DC adapter from Le Touch, the LT-0933-1892, has 100 to 240V, 50/60Hz, maximum 0.8A input. Its output ratings are 5V 3A, 9V 2A or 12V 1.5A USB SCP and 5V 3A, 9V 3A, 12V 2.5A, 15V 2A or 20V 1.5A USB-C PPS.
MOQ: 3,000 units
Lead time: 35 days
