Date: 21/01/2011

3.2 Watts audio class D amplifier measures 1 square mm in footprint

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX98304, the industry's smallest Class D amplifier measuring 1mm x 1mm. This audio amplifier delivers a power of 3.2 Watts with a low noise level of 19µVRMS, an increase of power output by 23% reduction of noise by 39% compared to Maxim's present class D amps. The amplifier's 0.3mm-pitch, 9-bump wafer-level package (WLP) features a no-connect middle bump to eliminate the need for expensive PCB technologies. This allows the use of single-layer PCBs for reduced manufacturing cost. The MAX98304 is suggested for designing audio amplifier part of cell phones, tablets, e-readers, notebooks, and netbooks for feeding speakerphones with quality and loud audio without increasing the space on the circuit board.

Maxim says patented EMI-reduction techniques and careful circuit design allow the MAX98304 to have the industry's lowest EMI emissions, and eliminate the need for output filtering found in traditional Class D devices. This device causes less interference to the neighbor devices and hence saves the designer from any filtering components such as capacitor and inductor of any kind are required with speaker cable or trace lengths of 24in and beyond, the MAX98304 saves significant board space and supply current.

The MAX98304 is fully specified over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range, and is packaged in a lead-free, 1mm x 1mm, 9-bump WLP. Prices start at $0.42 (1000-up, FOB USA).

Some of the other 2-3 watt range audio amplifiers with specs close to this above product include TPA2035D1 from Texas Instruments, SSM2335 from Analog Devices, TS4962M from ST. But none is found with performance and price matching Maxim's MAX98304.

Editorial Product Rating: *** (High Value)