500W (4ohm) GaN Class D Modules - Starkrimson Ultra

[orchardaudio]

Hi,

I am currently developing a GaN Class-D module which will do 250W into 8ohms and 500W into 4 ohms.

The module will be 4.75" (120.65mm) by 3.75" (95.25mm). See the attached image.

The modulator will be very similar to my Starkrimson (formerly BOSC) modules
you can read more about them here:
BOSC - HiFi Monoblock Class-D GaN Amp
and here
BOSC - HiFi Monoblock Class-D Amp | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
and here:
Fresh From the Bench: A Tale of Two Class-D Amplifiers Orchard Audio BOSC and Purifi Audio Eigentakt EVAL1 | audioXpress
and on my website of course:
Orchard Audio - Audio Power Amplifer, Monoblock Module | Orchard Audio

I expect the performance of these modules to be at least as good if not better than the Starkrimson modules.

These modules will be designed to specifically work with the Hypex SMPS1200A100 power supplies. Two modules can connect to one power supply to create a stereo system.

The modules will support both fully balanced and unbalanced connections. The gain will be ~19dB (balanced) and ~25db (unbalanced). The unbalanced connection has 6dB more gain because it will be converted to a balanced connection.

I am expecting the switching frequency to be in the 750kHz to 1.2MHz range. This will be determined by final tuning/testing.

All connections use headers and terminal blocks so that no soldering will be required.

The purpose of this post is to gauge interest to see how many here would be interested in purchasing these modules when they are completed in about 2-3 months. I expect the price of the final modules to be around $500 per module, those who do a group by for the initial builds will get at least a 20% discount.

The are multiple users here who have my BOSC/Stakrimson modules

• Class D Photo Gallery Post 1
• Class D Photo Gallery Post 2
• Class D Photo Gallery Post 3

Update 12/29/2020
The layout is finished...

I had to make the board 4.85 by 3.75 inches to add some additional circuity, due to feedback that I received for the other board.
Added LED to indicate over current
Added LED to indicate overvoltage
Added LED to indicate that board is powered up

Still need to do final checks before manufacturing the boards. However, the layout is at a good point to start getting quotes. So please let me know if you would be interested in getting one or two of these.

The board will need the following power supplies:
+/-36 to 42.5V for power stages
+9 to +15V for Driver (referenced to -36V)
+/- 12 to 22V for analog sections

A single Hypex / SMPS1200A100 provides all of the required power supplies. and can power two modules to make a stereo system.

In simulations, this amplifier achieves over 98.5% efficiency at 500W.



Update 01/10/2021:
Updated specifications list:

• Gain (balanced input): 19.3dB
• Gain (single-ended input): 25.3dB
• Power output into 8Ω/4Ω: 250W/500W
• Input Impedance balanced/single-ended: 44k/22k
• Sensitivity (balanced input): 5Vin for 250W into 8Ω
• Sensitivity (single-ended input): 2.5Vin for 250W into 8Ω
• Size: 4.85" (123.2mm) x 3.75" (95.3mm) x 1.45" (36.8mm)
  • 6 x 4-40 mounting holes
• Required Power Supplies for Module
  • +/-36V (+/-30 to 42.5V) - Amplifier Power Rails
  • +15V (9 to 16V) - Mosfet Driver Supply - Referenced to -36V rail - 100mA minimum
  • +/-12V (+/-10 to 22V) - Analog Supplies - 100mA per supply minimum.

Here is a document on how to wire the SMPS1200 and modules together:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15WS...ew?usp=sharing

[pinnocchio]

Nice!

Will you offer bare PCBs like in previous version?

Do

[orchardaudio]

Originally Posted by pinnocchio

Nice!

Will you offer bare PCBs like in previous version?

Do

Yes. With the same arrangement (will need to sign NDA to get the BOM).

[pinnocchio]

Cool!

I've already signed the NDA for the previous board, so I'm guessing I'm all set?

Do

[orchardaudio]

Originally Posted by pinnocchio

Cool!

I've already signed the NDA for the previous board, so I'm guessing I'm all set?

Do

You are all set.

[johnnyk9]

I may be interested in a pair if timing is right.
Well done sir.

[orchardaudio]

I will have an update on this shortly. I am almost done with the layout and will start quoting hopefully by end of this week.

[orchardaudio]

The layout is finished...

I had to make the board 4.85 by 3.75 inches to add some additional circuity, due to feedback that I received for the other board.

• Added LED to indicate over current
• Added LED to indicate overvoltage
• Added LED to indicate that board is powered up

Still need to do final checks before manufacturing the boards. However, the layout is at a good point to start getting quotes. So please let me know if you would be interested in getting one or two of these.

The board will need the following power supplies:
+/-36 to 42.5V for power stages
+9 to +15V for Driver (referenced to -36V)
+/- 12 to 22V for analog sections

A single Hypex / SMPS1200A100 provides all of the required power supplies. and can power two modules to make a stereo system.

In simulations, this amplifier achieves over 98.5% efficiency at 500W.

[johnnyk9]

This really has me interested.
Recently unemployed, I hope someone gets a group buy together so I can actually afford a pair.
Thank you for your efforts for

[TNT]

What is the idle draw or say at 1 watt?

//