Date: 03/08/2010

Class D amplifiers with anticlipping circuitry and voltage limiting from Maxim

Maxim has made available power efficient audio amplifier chip family named MAX98400. MAX98400 is a class D type audio amplifier IC and also is filterless. This amplifier chip is available in the power output configurations of 2 x 12W, 2 x 20W, and 1 x 40W . MAX98400 has built in anticlipping circuitry to avoid signal clipping by automatically reducing the amplifier's gain when the supply voltage is short enough for desired output voltage. Also by limiting limiting voltage MAX98400 prevents damage to the speaker when the supply voltage delivers more power than the speaker can handle. A pin-selectable mono/stereo mode changes the MAX98400A from a stereo 20W to mono 40W amplifier, while the MAX98400B is a stereo 12W amplifier. With the combination of low EMI and integrated protection features MAX98400 is suggested for TVs, notebooks, and all-in-one desktop applications.

The MAX98400 feature thermal foldback to prevent unwanted thermal-shutdown events. Thermal foldback reduces the output signal when the internal junction temperature exceeds +120°C. This keeps the IC safe, while avoiding thermal-shutdown cycling, which would otherwise appear as a system malfunction to the end customer. Additionally, this amplifier family features short-circuit and thermal-overload protection, comprehensive click-and-pop suppression, and shutdown control.

Package:
The MAX98400A comes in a small, 6mm x 6mm, lead-free, 36-pin TQFN.
The MAX98400B comes in a 4mm x 4mm, 24-pin TQFN.

Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C

Price: the MAX98400A starts at US$1.20 and the MAX98400B starts at US$0.95.

For further information visit: www.maxim-ic.com.