TECHNOLOGY
We always use the latest technology to manufacture GigaWatt devices, starting from the design process to final assembly.
Distribution Bars
All GigaWatt devices feature an innovative two-stage internal current distribution system directly to the output sockets. It is based on massive conduction rails made of thick, polished solid copper bars with a cross-section of as much as 30mm2 per rail. The first stage provides lossless and even voltage distribution to the individual filter branches, while the second stage delivers voltage directly to the output sockets. It also enables stable power distribution regardless of the load on the individual output socket. All types of distribution buses used are GigaWatt’s own brand design and were designed and manufactured in-house.
The production of such buses is extremely expensive due to the quality of the copper from which they are made as well as their manufacturing technology. The distribution rails are made of Cu-OF (high conductivity oxygen-free copper) and Cu-ETP (high conductivity metallurgical refined copper) grade cathode copper, both with a minimum purity of 99.99%.
The copper from which the rails are made undergoes enameling and refining annealing, which thickens the material improving its conductivity, ductility and corrosion resistance in most environments. It is characterized by excellent conductivity, low impurity content and the residual presence of oxygen. The mechanical processing of the rails is carried out using technology that does not emit heat, which could cause oxidation of copper and negatively affect the quality of conduction.
The highest models of conditioners; PC-3SE, PC-4, PowerMaster, and the products of the limited series “Special Edition” use silver-plated distribution rails.
Hydraulic-Magnetic Switch
The top GigaWatt conditioners are equipped in a special, technologically advanced hydraulic-magnetic switch from the company Carling. This costly unit is manufactured in USA on special order and to specifications from GigaWatt.
This component has the role of the main power switch and a current flow control element in the conditioner. It opens the circuit only in the moment of surpassing the safe amount of current flowing through the conditioner. The switch, used in the PC-4, is free from the flaws typical to fuses and thermal protections, being the consequence of their simple construction. Those commonly used elements have, besides low price and obvious protective capabilities, have one weak point, which disqualifies them from usage in audio systems – they limit power supplied to the protected circuit. This flaw is a consequence of the small cross-section of those elements, what can be avoided using the hydraulic-magnetic switch used in the PC-4.
This component guarantees switching and supplying full declared power to the supplied devices. In addition it can deliver high constant current (25A), with peak values much higher (70A), what allows to supply power hungry devices like power amplifiers.
The used switch comes from the most advanced product line of the Carling company, while some accessory manufacturers use similar switches from a low-budget, economy series, or simple “house grade” over current switches, with a random parameters tolerance and unreliable function.
Lead-free RoHS process
The production of electronic equipment often requires the usage of substances harmful for the environment (what means also to ourselves!). Already some time ago, (actually on January 27th, 2003) the European Union issued the RoHS Directive (Restriction of use of certain Hazardous Substances), which was designed to eliminate (or restrict) the usage of harmful substances in the production of electronic devices. It is in force in all EU countries since July 1st, 2006. On the list of harmful substances the following were placed: mercury, cadmium, lead, chromium and flame prevention substances PBB, PBDE.
The RoHS directive is a derivative from another directive – WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and is closely related to it. This relationship is not by coincidence. Countries manufacturing, or importing, electronic equipment, realized, that the electronic, electrotechnical and precision industry branch, is one of the sources for emission of dangerous substances into the environment, having its effect also on people. This is the reason, that the RoHS directive is a kind of “first level protection”, which should minimize the amount of dangerous electronic waste.
All electronic components, used by the company GigaWatt are manufactured according to the lead-free technology, conform to the RoHS requirements.
