GaN charger teardown reveals the value of this new technology

Regularly, new technology emerges that offers a wide range of advantages over what we already have. Just as lithium-ion batteries made nickel-cadmium cells boring and obsolete, gallium nitride semiconductors make silicon parts unimpressive by comparison. [Brian Dipert] looked at what this means in practice by tearing down a GaN phone charger.

The charger in question is a 30-watt USB-C charger produced by Voltme. It only cost [Brian] $10, because GaN hardware prices dropped dramatically as economies of scale began. The magazine measures only 1.2 × 1.3 × 1.2 inches and weighs only 1.5 ounces. This compact size is due to GaN semiconductors, which are capable of operating at higher power levels than their silicon predecessors.

To break the magazine, the case had to be opened. The rear panel came off with some work, revealing the mains terminals, which supply AC power to the PCB inside via the case holding them together. Interestingly, the entire circuit inside is filled with an adhesive thermal goop, which helps transmit heat from the hottest components to the charger case. [Brian] is able to walk us through the circuit and he identified many of the major components. However, some of the markings on the chips were beyond his research skills, and he asks all knowledgeable readers to provide their own information.

It's interesting to see what makes today's high-powered compact chargers work. Plus, it's a mark of progress that what was once considered wonderful material can now be had in a basic $10 phone charger from Amazon. How times change!