# Life, the Universe, and Power ICs

- Show: [EE Times Current](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current)
- Published: 2021-07-23
- Length: 29m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2021-07-23-life-the-universe-and-power-ics
- Listen: https://www.eetimes.com/podcasts/eetoa-ep145/

## Summary

Doug Bailey, VP of Marketing and Applications Engineering at Power Integrations, explains the shift from silicon to gallium nitride (GaN) power ICs, highlighting how GaN's low capacitance enables smaller, more efficient power supplies. He discusses the practical cutoff for GaN adoption around 45 watts and the industry trend of removing chargers from phone boxes to reduce e-waste. Bailey argues that while GaN adapters are more expensive, their higher quality and multi-device capability provide greater value to consumers and reduce environmental impact.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2021-07-23-life-the-universe-and-power-ics#t=0) Introduction and GaN Technology Overview
- [5:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2021-07-23-life-the-universe-and-power-ics#t=335) GaN vs Silicon: Efficiency and Thermal Design
- [8:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2021-07-23-life-the-universe-and-power-ics#t=492) When to Choose GaN: The 45-Watt Cutoff
- [12:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2021-07-23-life-the-universe-and-power-ics#t=730) Eliminating Heat Sinks and Design Philosophy
- [16:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2021-07-23-life-the-universe-and-power-ics#t=990) GaN in Appliances and TVs
- [21:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2021-07-23-life-the-universe-and-power-ics#t=1284) The 'Out of the Box' Charger Trend and E-Waste

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Power Integrations (company)
- Gallium Nitride (material)
- Helion Energy (company)
- USB PD (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Moore's Law, GaN and SiC devices - Gallimaufry GaN Gabble](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-09-20-moores-law-gan-and-sic-devices-gallimaufry-gan-gabble) (The Amp Hour)
- [GaN Powers Up in AI, Robotics, and Our Lives](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-02-18-gan-powers-up-in-ai-robotics-and-our-lives) (Moore's Lobby)
- [Powering a Green Future: Insights from Infineon's Peter Wawer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2023-05-16-powering-a-green-future-insights-from-infineons-peter-wawer) (Moore's Lobby)
- [Bonkers Birthday Badinage](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-06-18-bonkers-birthday-badinage) (The Amp Hour)
- [Inventing the Power MOSFET with Alex Lidow](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-03-20-inventing-the-power-mosfet-with-alex-lidow) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2021-07-23-life-the-universe-and-power-ics. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to EE Times Current.