Power adapters with a USB connection are ubiquitous in modern life. The wonderful mobile devices we use require regular connection to grid power, generally through a USB adapter. The relatively new USB-C power delivery standard aims to provide variable charging power up to 100 W (e.g. 20 V and 5 A), so that a single AC adapter can then be used to charge a wide variety of devices. Energy efficiency regulation from governments, including from both the US and Canadian governments, are driving innovation in the USB wall charger market.

TechInsights has been observing an increasing number of gallium nitride (GaN) design wins in wall charger technology. In this presentation we will survey the different GaN integration strategies that we have observed in recently procured USB adapters. It is believed that GaN brings compelling advantages in terms of efficiency for adapter and other power supply products; however, achieving these efficiencies in a cost-effective manner can be challenging. Furthermore, silicon technology providers also continue to innovate and improve. At present, it is not known which technology will eventually triumph in the market.