Porsche Discovers Another Method to Reduce Weight, and It Involves Sound Systems

      Porsche

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      Weight is a significant barrier to performance, and Porsche is well aware of this. From lightweight models like the 911 Carrera RS to the modern Weissach Packages, Porsche has continuously worked to combat excess weight. Recently, the engineers in Stuttgart have discovered a new area to address in this ongoing fight: car audio systems.

      In what the company claims is a world first for production vehicles, upcoming Porsche models will feature Burmester audio systems that utilize gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors. According to Porsche, GaN provides superior current conduction efficiency and greater power density compared to traditional semiconductor materials, resulting in lighter and more compact audio-system hardware.

      While GaN semiconductors may be a new feature in automotive audio, they have been in use for some time elsewhere. Their industrial application began in the 1990s with large-scale use in blue LEDs. Nowadays, GaN semiconductor chips are commonly found in a variety of devices, from tablets and USB chargers to satellites, as Porsche points out. They are sought after for their high switching frequencies and reduced energy losses compared to conventional silicon-based semiconductors. This improvement decreases heat generation, enhancing overall efficiency and enabling the production of smaller, lighter components.

      Reduced heat output also leads to diminished cooling needs. Porsche claims that the heat sink that accompanies these chips is 20% lighter, and additional “passive components” can be downsized as well. Made from aluminum, the heat sink's reduction not only conserves material but also helps avoid carbon emissions due to the energy-intensive process of aluminum production.

      Porsche started exploring GaN semiconductor technology for automotive applications in 2023 and initiated a development program in collaboration with the University of Stuttgart’s Institute for Robust Power Semiconductor Systems in 2024. The first use of this technology will be in a 400-watt amplifier for a Burmester 3D system set to debut in 2027, with plans for further applications in the future.

      Dr. Lars Heuken, Porsche's semiconductor manager, stated, “The semiconductor can be used for power conversion in high-voltage systems. This makes GaN particularly intriguing for the high-voltage systems of electric sports cars, for example.” While Porsche remains dedicated to electric vehicles overall, it appears to be encountering challenges in bringing a true sports car—like an electric replacement for the Boxster or Cayman—to fruition.