There are many Class D amplifiers on the market, and many designers may find it difficult to choose one.
What I would like to introduce to you here is a Class D amplifier from Analog Devices, a company with a proven track record in the audio industry.
The company offers a wide range of solutions including DSPs, audio codecs, and amplifiers, and its Class D amplifiers have also been highly praised by audio manufacturers.
Here we will introduce some of the most popular Class D amplifiers.
What is a Plug & Play Class D amplifier?
First up is a Class D amplifier with easy-to-use Plug & Play functionality.
Its following features eliminate time-consuming configuration and enable an efficient development process:
Plug & Play Class D Amplifier Features
・ No need to set I2C register
No need for complicated I2C register settings, greatly reducing software development man-hours.
-Digital interface adopted
The digital audio input is highly expandable, allowing flexible connection to peripheral devices, and provides excellent noise immunity.
・ Board mounting is possible without vias
The board can be mounted without vias, reducing manufacturing costs.The TIPTOP WLP package allows the inner pins to be connected to the outer pins.
How to Set Up a Plug & Play Class D Amplifier
Gain and channels can be adjusted by connecting configuration pins or digital audio signals.
・Gain setting
The amplification level can be selected by how the configuration pin is fixed.
・Channel settings
Digital audio signal connection pins allow channel selection.
Automatically recognizes various PCM and TDM clocking methods.
Therefore, there is no need to set the I2C register, and it can be used simply like an analog amplifier.
Popular Plug & Play Class D Amplifiers
We'd like to introduce two popular products from Plug & Play Class D amplifiers.
MAX98361: A compact, cost-effective Class-D amplifier
The MAX98361 supports an output of 3.2W (at 4Ω, 5V). It is an ideal product for small portable Bluetooth speakers, IOT devices, and small devices that run on a single Li-ion cell.
Features
-No I2C programming required
-Automatic sample rate and bit depth setting
-Fault detection by clock monitor
-Edge Rate Control (AEL) and Spread Spectrum (SSM) eliminate the need for output filters
-Cost factors ・WLP package eliminates the need for vias in the pad
Main specifications
-Single power supply operation: 2.5V to 5.5V
-Output: 3.2W (at 4Ω, 5V)
-Quick current: 2.2mA
- Dynamic range: 110dB
-THD+N: 0.009% (at 1kHz)
-High efficiency: 92% (RL = 8Ω, THD+N = 10%)
-Sample rate: 8kHz to 96kHz
-9-pin WLP (1.35mm x 1.44mm, 0.4mm pitch)
|
Part |
Turn-on/off Volume ramp |
Turn-on Time (ms) |
Data Format ( LRCLK : Duty Cycle 50% ) |
Data Format |
|
MAX98361A |
Disabled |
1 |
I2S / Rising |
TDM / Rising |
|
MAX98361B |
Disabled |
1 |
Left-justified / Rising |
TDM / Falling |
|
MAX98361C |
Enabled |
13 |
I2S / Rising |
TDM / Rising |
|
MAX98361D |
Enabled |
13 |
Left-justified / Rising |
TDM / Falling |
There are four model numbers: MAX98361A/B/C/D. The differences are in the sound startup characteristics when powered on and the audio signal format to be connected. By selecting the appropriate model number according to the desired functions, the system can be assembled simply by setting the pins and wiring, making the design extremely simple.
MAX98365: A compact, cost-effective 14V Class-D amplifier
The MAX98365 supports an output of 13.8W (8Ω, 14V) and 17.6W (6Ω, 14V). It is suitable for Bluetooth speakers and smart speakers that require higher output.
It is also used in speaker products from famous audio manufacturers and has received high praise for its sound quality.
Main specifications
-Wide amplifier power supply range: 3.0V to 14V
-Output: 13.8W (8Ω, 14V)
-Output: 17.6W (6Ω, 14V)
-Dynamic range: 111.5dB
-THD+N:-85dB (1kHz)
-High efficiency: 92.7% (at 7.0W, RL = 8Ω, V PVDD = 12V)
-Sample rate: 8kHz to 192kHz
-12-pin WLP (1.21mm x 1.78mm, 0.4mm pitch)
|
Part |
Turn-on/off Volume ramp |
Turn-on Time (ms) |
Data Format ( LRCLK : Duty Cycle 50% ) |
Data Format |
|
MAX98365A |
Disabled |
1 |
I2S / Rising |
TDM / Rising |
|
MAX98365B |
Disabled |
1 |
Left-justified / Rising |
TDM / Falling |
|
MAX98365C |
Enabled |
13 |
I2S / Rising |
TDM / Rising |
|
MAX98365D |
Enabled |
13 |
Left-justified / Rising |
TDM / Falling |
Other basic specifications are the same as MAX98361. You can simply design your system by selecting from four different model numbers according to your desired specifications.
Easy-to-use evaluation environment
The MAX98361 series and MAX98365 series have evaluation boards available for each model number, and are provided with a PC interface board.
Simply connect to a PC via USB for easy audio playback.
Power and speaker jacks are also provided, allowing you to immediately evaluate performance using your own equipment.
MAX98361Evaluation Board Model and Part Number
|
Evaluation boardmodel |
DevicePart number |
|
MAX98361AEVSYS#WLP |
MAX98361A |
|
MAX98361BEVSYS#WLP |
MAX98361B |
|
MAX98361CEVSYS#WLP |
MAX98361C |
|
MAX98361DEVSYS#WLP |
MAX98361D |
MAX98365Evaluation Board Model and Part Number
|
Evaluation boardmodel |
DevicePart number |
|
MAX98365AEVSYS# |
MAX98365A |
|
MAX98365BEVSYS# |
MAX98365B |
|
MAX98365CEVSYS# |
MAX98365C |
|
MAX98365DEVSYS# |
MAX98365D |
What is a Class D/G amplifier?
Next, we will introduce the Class D/G amplifier, which achieves high efficiency and high volume. Class D/G amplifiers are Class D amplifiers that incorporate a function to switch between two power supply voltages depending on the signal level. They operate at low voltage when the volume is low and at high voltage when the volume is high, optimizing power consumption. This makes it possible to play at high volume while keeping power consumption low during standby or at low volume. This is a mechanism that is particularly in demand for smart speakers.
Class D/G Amplifier Features
-Power supply voltage is switched according to the signal level
By switching the power supply voltage according to the signal level, power consumption during standby is significantly reduced, achieving both energy saving performance and high volume playback.
-Real-time IV sensing
Built-in IV sensing circuit. Speaker current and voltage can be monitored in real time. This allows you to protect your speakers and improve the sound effect on your system.
・ Hi-Fi sound quality
It achieves a high dynamic range of over 110dB and low noise, allowing faithful reproduction of sounds from subtle to powerful, meeting the specifications required for high quality audio equipment.
Popular Class D/G Amplifiers
We will introduce two popular products from the Class D/G amplifier range.
MAX98396: Wide power supply range, ultrasound capable, 20V class D/G amplifier with IV sensing
Supports output of 20W (8 Ω, 19V), 19W (4 Ω, 14V), and peak output of 60W (4 Ω, 19V). Supports high-resolution playback and ultrasonic output. This product is ideal for smart speakers and small audio devices, and has a strong track record in the market. Ultrasonic output enables presence detection and gesture operation functions for smart speakers and other devices.
Features
-Class DG amplifier architecture (power rails VBAT and PVDD)
-Wideband filters in regeneration and IV sense paths
-Enabling Ultrasonic Applications
-Brownout Prevention Engine (BPE)
-Tone generator for circuit testing
- Output rate control (AEL) and spread spectrum modulation (SSM) for reduced EMI and filterless operation
-Dynamic Headroom Optimization (DHT) during power supply fluctuations, providing compressor and limiter functions
Main specifications
-Wide input power range: 3V~20V
-Output current limit: 6.2A (min)
- Self-power consumption (DG mode)
-12.7mW (VPVDD= 12V , VVBAT= 3.8V)
-18mW (VPVDD= 19V, VVBAT= 5.0V)
-Sample rate: 8kHz ~ 192kHz
-output
-60W peak (4Ω, VPVDD=19V)
-20W (8Ω, VPVDD=19V)
-19W (4Ω, VPVDD=14V)
-Output noise: 15.5μVrms, A-weighted (DG mode)
-Audio processing bypass for ultrasound signals
[MAX98397] 28V compatible, IV sensing, class D/G amplifier with brownout prevention function
The latest model of Class D/G amplifier (as of September 2024). It supports output of 42W (8Ω, 19V), 26W (4Ω, 16V), and peak output of 100W (8Ω, 28V). It supports high-resolution playback and ultrasonic output.
The basic configuration is the same as the MAX98396, but it can achieve a larger output. This product can be applied to stereo speakers such as sound bars and more professional audio products.
Main specifications
-Wide input power range: 3V~28V
-Self power consumption (V VBAT =3.8V, V PVDD =20V): 21mW
-Output noise: 21.5μVrms, A-weighted
-Output current limit: 8.0A (min)
-efficiency
-83% (1W/8Ω)、 93%peak (8Ω, VPVDD=24V)
-81% (1W/4Ω)、 90%peak (4Ω, VPVDD=24V)
-output
-100W peak (4Ω, VPVDD=28V)
-42W (8Ω / VPVDD=28V / THD+N = 1%)
-26W (4Ω / VPVDD=16V / THD+N = 1%)
-Sample rate: 8~192kHz
Comparison table
This is a comparison table of the main specifications of Class D/G amplifiers. Please use this as a reference when selecting the most suitable product.
|
Parameter |
MAX98397 |
MAX98396 |
MAX98395 |
|
Configuration |
Mono |
||
|
Architecture |
Class-DG |
||
|
IV-Sense |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Supply Range |
PVDD = 3V-28V, VBAT = 3V-5.5V |
PVDD = 3V-20V, VBAT: 3V-5.5V |
PVDD= 3V-14V, VBAT: 3V-5.5V |
|
Quiescent Power |
25.3mW (PVDD=24V, VBAT=5V) |
16.5mW (PVDD=12V, VBAT=5V) |
10.6mW (PVDD=12V, VBAT=5V) |
|
Noise (A-weighted) |
21.5µVRMS (PVDD: 24V, VBAT=5V) |
15.5µVRMS |
11µVRMS |
|
Output Power, THD+N ≤ 1% |
42W (28V, 8Ω ) 26W (16V, 4Ω) |
20W (PVDD=19V, 8Ω) 19W (PVDD=14V, 4Ω ) |
7.7W (PVDD=12V, 8Ω) 11.7W (PVDD=12V, 4Ω) |
|
THD+N |
-85dB (3W, 8Ω, fIN = 1kHz) |
-82dB (1W, 8Ω, fIN = 1kHz) |
-83dB (2W, 8Ω, fIN = 1kHz) |
|
Current Limit |
9A (Typ), 8A (Min) |
7A (Typ), 6.2A (Min) |
6A (Typ), 4.5A (Min) |
|
Efficiency |
81% (1W, 4Ω, PVDD=24V) |
82% (1W, 4Ω, PVDD=12V) |
81% (1W, 4Ω, PVDD=12V) |
|
Sample Rates |
8kHz-192kHz (Playback & IVSense) |
8kHz-192kHz (Playback & IVSense) |
8kHz-96kHz (Playback & IVSense) |
|
Package |
35-WLP (6.3mm2, 0.4mm pitch) |
35-WLP (6.5mm2, 0.4mm pitch) |
28-WLP (4.67mm2, 0.4mm pitch) |
Analog Devices Class D Audio Amplifier Product General Features
Analog Devices' audio amplifiers incorporate various technologies to reduce noise and protect sound quality. Here we introduce their main features.
Noise Reduction Function
This function reduces EMI radiation, a characteristic of digital amplifiers, and enables filterless operation. It is available in all Analog Devices Class D amplifiers.
SSM (Spread Spectrum Modulation)
For PWM switching output, the period of the internally generated reference wave is changed slightly for each cycle.
This spreads out the energy concentrated at the switching frequency and its harmonics.
AEL (Active Emission Limit)
Minimizing the rise and fall times of the output FETs is beneficial for efficiency but undesirable for EMI emissions. AEL intelligently controls edge rates to significantly reduce EMI emissions while maintaining efficiency.
No noise filters are required, simplifying circuit design. Compact circuits can be constructed with fewer components, which is also effective in reducing product costs.
Functions for stable audio playback
The following features are provided to protect sound quality when the device temperature rises or the battery voltage fluctuates, centered around the Class D/G amplifier.
Thermal Foldback
If the device exceeds the set temperature, the attenuator will activate and automatically adjust the output level to prevent the device from overheating and prevent output from being stopped due to thermal shutdown.
DHT (Dynamic Headroom Tracking)
This function automatically optimizes headroom in response to fluctuations in the power supply voltage. When the voltage drops due to a battery or other source, it dynamically controls the output waveform to prevent clipping, suppress distortion, and maintain stable sound quality.
These features ensure stable audio playback.
Audio Amplifier Product Lineup
This is an introduction to Analog Devices' audio amplifier product lineup. In addition to the products introduced here, there are many other options available.
This time, we have picked out and introduced some of Analog Devices' Class D and Class D/G amplifiers that are popular among audio manufacturers.
Why not try out the performance of our proven Class D amplifiers with an evaluation board?
Please feel free to contact us.
Application example
- smart speaker
- sound bar
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