alt Hacker NewsNot on modern high-frequency switchers.
GaN stuff can be 99%+ efficiency. The frequencies are multiple MHz which shrinks the inductors significantly--sometimes allowing PCB based coils (See Anker 120W teardowns).
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throwaway31131 • today at 12:03 AM
I’m with you, I’m not sure the volume or cost would be less once you factor in capacitors that are high enough quality for the application.
The datasheet mentions low profile a lot. That does make sense as one can make a flat, high quality, capacitor. Making a flat high quality inductor is harder and probably more expensive and likely consumes more volume overall. I can imagine some applications where being flat is important, like the back of a panel.
I'm a huge fan of GaN (see the current front page discussion of LiDAR), but 99% at 500 W at 12 V is hard. 3 milliohm in the inductor will eat up 100% of your budget, without accounting for any switching losses. Like most Linear parts, the LTC7820 is impressive, fits a niche, and is too expensive for most applications -- but when you need it, it's good to know it's there.