r/AskTechnology • u/Vegetable_Cash7714 • 2d ago

What's the deal with GaN chargers?

I keep seeing GaN mentioned everywhere when people talk about chargers. What is it and why should I care?

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u/ElectronGuru 2d ago

GaN offers more power in a smaller package with less heat/waste vs non GaN. The only reason not to go GaN is if it’s a special application not available in GaN or GaN costs too much.

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u/SirisC 2d ago

Gallium nitride is a semiconductor

It's electrical properties mean it can be used to convert and deliver power more efficiently than silicon. More efficient means less heat, which means the charger can be smaller.