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Analog Devices' Popular Class D Amplifiers

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.

Types and features of audio amplifiers
Common types and features of audio amplifiers

What is a Plug & Play Class D amplifier?

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

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.

How to set gain on a Plug & Play Class D amplifier

・Gain setting

The amplification level can be selected by how the configuration pin is fixed.

How to set up channels on a Plug & Play Class D amplifier

・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.

MAX98361: Small, Cost-Effective Class-D Amplifier

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
Num
ber

Turn-on/off

Volume ramp

Turn-on

Time (ms)

Data Format
/ BCLK active edge

( LRCLK : Duty Cycle 50% )

Data Format
/ BCLK active edge
( LRCLK : Sync Pulse )

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.

MAX98365: Tiny, Cost-Effective 14V Class-D Amplifier

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
Number

Turn-on/off

Volume ramp

Turn-on

Time (ms)

Data Format
/ BCLK active edge

( LRCLK : Duty Cycle 50% )

Data Format
/ BCLK active edge
( LRCLK : Sync Pulse )

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

Evaluation environment for MAX98361 and MAX98365
MAX98361/MAX98365 Evaluation Systems

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?

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

Plug & Play Class D 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.

MAX98396: Wide-Supply Range, Ultrasound-Capable, 20V Class D/G Amplifier with IV Sensing

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 (, 19V), 26W (, 16V), and peak output of 100W (, 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.

MAX98397: 28V-capable, Class D/G Amplifier with IV Sensing and Brownout Prevention

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.

SSM (Spread Spectrum Modulation) and AEL (Active Emissions Limiting)

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.

Thermal foldback function and DHT (Dynamic Headroom Tracking)

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.

Analog Devices Audio Amplifier Portfolio

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
smart speaker
sound bar

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