Class-D Audio Amplifier delivers 3.2 W/mm² power density.

Press Release Summary:




Measuring 100 mm², Model TDA7498E delivers 320 W of total output power, 160 W on each channel. Device exhibits SNR of 100 dB and provides 4 selectable, fixed-gain settings at 23.8, 29.8, 33.3, and 35.8 dB. Analog IC enables design of platform solutions where speaker impedance can be changed from 8-2 W without power or current limitation. Other features include built-in suppression of pop/click noises, standby and mute functions, and balanced input for best TDMA noise rejection.



Original Press Release:



New Amplifiers from STMicroelectronics Bring Superior Sound and Sleek Style to Advanced Audio Systems



ST's new analog class-D audio amplifier exhibits unparalleled power density of 3.2W/mm2

Geneva, - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leading supplier of audio ICs, has introduced a high-performance, analog class-D audio amplifier with best-in-class power density. This achievement will allow equipment manufacturers to combine superior audio quality with a small form factor in next-generation home and professional sound systems and active-speaker applications.

To maximize the speaker output power, sound-system manufacturers require high-efficiency amplifiers capable of driving speakers at low impedances of 2 or 3 ohms, which creates a challenge by increasing device sizes. ST designers have addressed this problem by managing to pack 320W of total output power - 160W on each channel - on an area of 100 mm2, giving ST's newest analog audio class-D amplifier a 20% power-density advantage over existing solutions on the market.

The device's high-current capability not only delivers high output power, but also enables the design of platform solutions where the speaker impedance can be simply changed - from 8 down to 2 ohms - without any power or current limitation.

ST's newest amplifier also integrates a host of features that increase audio quality in the final application, including built-in suppression of pop/click noises, standby and mute functionality, and balanced input for best TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) noise rejection. The device embeds smart current protection, which recognizes when the speaker requires a peak of current for a specific frequency range and automatically prevents any interruptions in the sound flow.

The TDA7498E amplifier offers flexible audio-system configuration, in both stereo and mono modes, and also includes the mono parallel feature for driving the subwoofer/woofer channel in 2.1 sound set-ups. The device exhibits a signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB and provides four selectable, fixed-gain settings at 23.8dB, 29.8dB, 33.3dB and 35.8dB.

ST's TDA7498E dual-BTL (Bridge Tied Load) class-D audio amplifier with a single power supply is sampling now and volume production is scheduled for February 2012, with unit pricing at $6 for volumes in the range of 1,000 pieces. If your company has a high-volume need, please contact your ST sales office.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2010, the Company's net revenues were $10.35 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

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