Date: 01/10/2012

24V audio power amplifier from ST for heavy vehicles

STMicroelectronics has launched the TDA7576B audio power amplifier for commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses and agricultural vehicles, whose electrical systems run at 24V. ST claims that it is the world’s first audio amplifier that can drive the cabin loudspeakers directly, without any external components, in 24V vehicles.

“Millions of drivers of trucks and other heavy vehicles often have to drive long distances with no one else in the cab for company. High-quality audio can help them stay relaxed and focused, but up till now they have usually had to settle for less than the best,” said Luca Celant, Audio & Power Marketing Director, ST’s Automotive Product Group. “Leveraging our worldwide leadership in automotive audio power amplifiers, we have developed a unique product that will allow them to enjoy the same superb audio experience that people expect in the latest cars.”

Audio amplifiers for automotive systems primarily need to withstand the environment including a high level of electrical noise and protect against potential hazards like short circuits, load dumps and excessive chip temperature. So far, audio amplifiers in 12V automotive systems have reached a high level of sophistication but it’s not the case in 24V systems without using external components.

ST’s TDA7576B 24V audio amplifier is built in a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing technology called BCD5 that permits a single chip to contain both the power blocks and the signal management blocks. The chip can sustain a peak supply voltage of 60 V without any damage. The TDA7576B has been designed with the same guidelines and care that ST uses for car radio audio power amplifiers.

Key features:

1. 24V battery operation
2. Output power: 2 x 20 W
3. Minimized external components (no decoupling capacitors, no bootstrap capacitor and no external compensation components)
4. Integrated power-saving standby function
5. Diagnostic output pin that alerts the host controller in the event of clipping, short circuits or excessive temperature
6. Output DC offset detection
7. Protection against 60V load dump, excessive chip temperature, ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) and output short circuit to GND, Vcc, or across the load

The device is available now in a compact Multiwatt15 package at a price of US$4 in quantities of 1,000 units.

For more information: www.st.com

Source: ST Microelectronics