GaN technology headlines new AC/DC adapters

by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra

Mobility translates to accessibility as illustrated by the continuing electronics trend for further miniaturization that ensures devices can be conveniently used, stored and carried anywhere. This applies to all kinds of electronic products, including power adapters for smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming devices and medical equipment.

In AC/DC adapters, the shift from silicon-based transistors is already underway, moving toward better power and heat performance even in small designs. GaN AC/DC adapters, as they are called based on the technology used, offer high charging power and switching efficiency in a compact package. Because of these advantages, they have become a hot property in the last two years, although they still have some way to go before they break into the mainstream.

In China, this power supply type now leads new product releases, in 18, 30, 65 and 100W variants, mainly for smartphones, tablets and notebook PCs.

GaN AC/DC adapters, however, are more expensive by 30 to as much as 50 percent than conventional adapters. But this price gap will narrow as more manufacturers enter the category. Companies interviewed by Global Sources Electronic Components expect quotes will start to go down in 2022 and these devices will be widely available in China in the next two or three years.

Regardless of technology, the AC/DC adapter market will expand further, driven by the increasing number of devices running on rechargeable batteries or without an external source of power. The majority of households have between five and 10 devices with these adapters, according to Allied Market Research. As the automation trend continues, this number is likely to increase further.

In addition to consumer electronics and home appliances, this power supply category will grow from demand in the lighting, telecom, transportation, food and beverage, medical and healthcare, military and aerospace, and industrial fields.

Eyeing opportunities in these markets, Chinese suppliers will expand production by 10 percent in the months ahead, based on estimates by manufacturers interviewed. They are anticipating more than this rate in shipments overseas. Suppliers generally export up to 80 percent of output, with some making products entirely for destinations abroad.

More than 80 percent of AC/DC adapter manufacturers in China are homegrown enterprises, the majority operating on a small or medium scale. They also offer other kinds of power supplies, including batteries, battery packs and SMPS.

Shenzhen, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Guangzhou and Xiamen are the key cities where many of these suppliers are. There are also a number of them in Suzhou, Changzhou, Ningbo and Yueqing.

Rising demand will expand this production pool, with more investments expected from domestic and international players in the next two years.

Desktop, wall-mount adapters

In mainstream supply in China are desktop and wall-mount AC/DC adapters for mobile and wearable devices and LED lighting. Units for smartphones, tablets and laptops currently make up the bulk of shipments from Chinese companies.

Typical specifications include 100 to 240VAC, 50/60Hz input, 5 to 24VDC, 1 to 5A output, 3 to 150W rated power and over 80 percent efficiency. Most China-made power adapters meet DOE Level V or VI efficiency standards.

The majority of manufacturers follow international product safety standards, including BS, CB, CCC, CE, CQC, FCC, GS, PSE, SAA, TÜV and UL, as well as the RoHS Directive.

For key components, such as transformers and other passive components, rectifiers and PCBs, and materials, companies usually turn to domestic providers. ICs, however, are mostly sourced from TI, ADI and Renesas.

In 2021, manufacturing input costs rose, resulting in 5 to 10 percent higher product quotes. Costs are expected to stabilize in the coming months and keep a lid on price increases.

GaN AC/DC adapter, rated at 65W

Power System Electronic Technology Co. Ltd’s PS-574 wall-mount GaN AC/DC adapter has 100 to 240VAC, 50/60Hz, maximum 1.5A input rating and 65W rated power. It is made of ABS and PC, and measures 58x58x30mm.

A minimum order of 3,000 units has a 30-day lead time.

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AC/DC adapter with multiplug options

This JYH5Z-122500-3-1128 AC/DC adapter from Shenzhen Juyuanhai Electronic Co. Ltd has 100 to 240VAC input voltage and 12VDC, 3 to 8A output rating. It has built-in overcurrent, -voltage, -load and short-circuit protection. Plug types include US, CN, EU, UK, BS, AU, KC and PSE.

The supplier requires an order of 500 units. Delivery is within 15 days.

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24VDC, 0.5A AC/DC adapter

This wall-mount AC/DC adapter from Shenzhen SAQCN Innovation Technology Co. Ltd, the SAA-240005WH-US, has an output rating of 24VDC, 0.5A and a rated power of 12W.

The minimum order for this 64x32x36mm unit is negotiable. Delivery takes seven days.

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240W AC/DC adapter

Available in black and white, this AC/DC adapter from Shenzhen Soy Technology Co. Ltd, the Soy-244, has 100 to 240V, 50/60Hz input, 48VDC, 5A output and maximum 240W power rating. Dimensions are 163x64.2x37.2mm.

The negotiable minimum order has a seven-day lead time.

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