Porsche turns to innovation to make audio systems lighter

Using gallium nitride will allow Porsche to develop more efficient sound systems that are smaller and lighter without losing performance.

Porsche illustration of audio system — *Porsche will use gallium nitride technology in its high-end audio systems to make them more efficient, smaller and lighter. – Porsche AG photo*

Porsche is tackling vehicle bloat one audio component at a time.

The automaker announced that beginning in 2027 it will begin using gallium nitride (GaN) technology in its top-of-the-line audio systems.

GaN is a semiconductor material that allows for much greater efficiency and power density than conventional silicon. This enables electronic systems to produce higher performance from smaller and lighter components.

Porsche worked with the University of Stuttgart to develop the technology for its vehicles.

Porsche will be the first automaker to use GaN technology and it will be used in vehicles equipped with the Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound System.

“A powerful bass foundation is part of the emotive experience our customers expect from a Porsche. The power reserves of our systems enable confident and dynamic sound reproduction, which is perfectly in keeping with the character of our sports cars,” said Steffen Burosch, head of audio system innovations at Porsche’s Weissach Development Centre, in a news release.

“Sound in a Porsche is about pure emotion. By using GaN, we can enhance that experience even further. Our customers will be able to enjoy the outstanding sound quality of the Burmester High-End Sound System while also experiencing state-of-the-art engineering.”

What is gallium nitride?

Gallium nitride is a tough, high-performance semiconductor material with a wide bandgap, allowing it to handle higher voltages, frequencies and temperatures than conventional silicon.

GaN components are used in LEDs, fast smartphone chargers, 5G gear, Blu-ray lasers, satellites and more.

Burmester speaker grille on Porsche vehicle — *Porsche will use GaN semiconductors in its Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound Systems. – Porsche AG photo*

How does this help Porsche’s sound system?

Porsche’s use of GaN semiconductors will result in more efficient power conversions, resulting in less energy loss and less heat generation.

This will result in reduced cooling requirements, allowing Porsche to use heat sinks that are about 20 per cent lighter compared to current components. Passive components will also be smaller, Porsche said.

“We focused on the fundamental technical challenges of efficient voltage conversion. In a sports car, efficiency and weight are crucial factors,” said Lars Heuken, who is responsible for strategic semiconductor management at Porsche, in the release.

Audio systems just the beginning

Porsche’s use of GaN technology in its audio systems is just the beginning, Heuken said.

“Many fields of application are conceivable in Porsche sports cars and we are investigating them in more detail. For example, the semiconductor can be used for power conversion in high-voltage systems. This makes GaN particularly interesting for the high-voltage systems of electric sports cars, for instance,” he said.