Lenovo and Navitas Launch a 130W Fast-Charging Power Adapter for High-Power Devices

Navitas is big on helping GaN-based devices knock silicon off the power IC throne. With their GaNFast portfolio, Navitas has GaN power ICs that are able to deliver 3x more than silicon-based technology for fast charging. The advantage of utilizing GaN FETs is that the IC is able to bring drive, protection, and control to the adapter with no need for external drivers that is normally essential for silicon devices, freeing up PCB space.

In comparison to silicon single-port power adapters, GaNFast technology allows for Lenovo’s power adapters to reach higher output power while being 40% smaller and weighing 45% less. Image used courtesy of Navitas.

Since 2014, Navitas has pushed GaNFast IC technology to not only provide fast-charging solutions for laptops and mobile devices but also targeting power adapters for data centers, renewable energy systems, and EV applications.

 

Lenovo Begins a GaN New Era

Lenovo has brought 2-in-1 laptops to the general public for nearly 10 years. With a high-powered laptop that doubles as a tablet, it is expected that the battery charge life would be. In the summer of 2020, Lenovo collaborated with Navitas to create a 90W fast charger for mobile phones. It was able to deliver full charge in 30 minutes and about 50% charge in 10 minutes by utilizing Navitas patented GaNFast ICs.

Earlier this year, Lenovo and Navitas moved to laptop charging by designing a 65W, CC65, dual type-c port power adapter. When both ports were in use, the main output would deliver 47W and the secondary would provide 18W. With the latest YOGA laptops requiring 135W power source, it is only fitting that Navitas would be able to help Lenovo venture into the 5th project together to address the high-power adapter using GaNFast. 

 

Lenovo’s YOGA CC130 Integrates Navitas’ NV6117 & NV6115 Power ICs

The new YOGA CC130 power adapter features dual USB type-c outputs capable of delivering 130W of power and 100W to standard laptops and smartphones that use type-c. Both USB ports have a combined power output of 130W while simultaneously in use. Lenovo’s power adapter is able to provide fast charging communication protocols including USB-power delivery (PD), Qualcomm QC 3.0, and USB-programmable power supply (PPS). This beats out Lenovo’s predecessor, the CC65, by double the amount of power delivered and a 10% increase in power density.

Navitas’ GaNFast power ICs are integrated through soft-switching topologies. The CC130 adapter features a boost power factor correction circuit with Navitas’ NV6117 GaN power ICs. These ICs convert rectified AC power into a stable 400V DC rail. This is followed by an isolating DC-DC stage that has two NV6115 ICs that step-down the voltage to approximately 20V for USB-PD output stages.

 

Lenovo’s power adapter measures at 71 x 71 x 30 mm to achieve power density of 0.85W/cc with a weight of 265 g. Image used courtesy of Navitas.

 

Both GaNFast ICs are rated at 650/800V and reach up to 2MHz switching frequency with 5 x 6mm QFN SMT packaging. With reliability being a critical design specification, the YOGA CC130 adapter doesn’t shine away, by completing and passing 81 Lenovo professional-grade lab tests. One of those tests questioned long-term usage, it tested at 8,700 hours before losing full power.

Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Investor Relations at Navitas, Stephen Oliver discussed the recent collaboration with Lenovo and offered continued support on future projects, “The CC130 will bring a faster, lighter, more powerful and more portable charging experience to Lenovo consumers. Navitas will continue to support Lenovo and Luxshare to develop further generations of GaN fast chargers, and to promote the innovation and development of the high-performance fast-charge industry, to benefit consumers worldwide.”