Power Integrations has extended the power range of flyback converters to 440 W with its new TOPSwitchGaN integrated circuits, positioning them as a simpler and more cost-effective alternative to resonant topologies like LLC. The advancement also promises improved efficiency and streamlined design.
The TOPSwitchGaN family leverages gallium nitride (GaN) technology to achieve this higher power level, which was traditionally the domain of more complex resonant converter architectures. By enabling flyback designs at this scale, the company aims to reduce component count, simplify electromagnetic interference (EMI) filtering, and lower overall system costs for applications such as industrial power supplies, displays, and appliances.
Key improvements include enhanced thermal performance and higher switching frequencies, which contribute to both size reduction and efficiency gains. This development challenges the conventional design trade-off where higher power typically necessitated a shift away from the inherently simpler flyback topology.