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What Is a GaN (gallium nitride) Charger, and Why Should You Buy One? (www.reviewgeek.com)

submitted 1 year ago by GadgeteerZA to c/technology

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When you’re on the hunt for a new USB power adaptor, you may come across a few options with gallium nitride (GaN) technology. These charging bricks tend to be a bit expensive. But due to their reduced size and increased charging ability, a GaN charger may be your ideal purchase. It could even help you save money in the long run.

Most USB chargers use silicon semiconductors. Gallium nitride (GaN) is simply a power-efficient alternative to silicon. It allows a charger to achieve small size without a reduction in charging speed or thermal performance. A GaN charger is ideal for travelling or powering several high-wattage devices, such as laptops.

With more and more laptops charging through USB-C, and more phones making use of ultra-fast charging, you'll start to notice that the silicon based chargers can get really hot during charging these devices.

Instead of buying a large silicon-based charger that only has two ports (with a shared throughput), you can buy a GaN charger with four, five, or even six high-speed charging ports.

#technology #chargers #GaN

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[–] Saauan 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I wonder what would be the difference in environmental footprint between the two types of chargers. According to this article it seems okay-ish compared to classical chargers, but more sources would be needed for me to form an opinion on the matter.

Anyhow, these new chargers look neat

[–] GadgeteerZA 3 points 1 year ago

Well one's giving off lots of heat is wasted energy, so the GaN are likely more efficient.