Diodes Incorporated Introduces High Efficiency Class D Stereo Audio Amplifier to Save Battery Power While Delivering Great Sound

     Diodes Incorporated introduces the PAM8965 Class-D Stereo Audio Power Amplifier with Integrated Synchronous Boost Converter. Diodes is targeting AI-enabled speaker systems and portable musical instruments to launch this high-efficiency device, where higher output power, longer battery life, and compact size are key requirements for these systems and instrument

     Operating from 2.8V to 8.5V, the PAM8965 can drive a 12W 4Ω speaker through two channels with 92% efficiency. The device incorporates a synchronous boost converter and employs pulse frequency modulation (PFM) operation at light loads, which not only improves operating performance and efficiency levels, but also reduces board space usage and overall bill of materials (BOM) costs .

     The product's spread spectrum modulation (SSM) over a wide frequency range provides more effective rejection of electromagnetic interference (EMI) conditions. This allows the use of inexpensive ferrite bead filters instead of expensive and bulky LC filters. The boost converter's ultrasonic PFM minimizes the impact of noise from other components located on the PCB. Class D is synchronized with the boost SSM switch to avoid slamming.

     The non-clipping power limitation of the PAM8965 ensures that the speakers continue to deliver superbly realistic audio content without the risk of damage. Thermal foldback reduces output power if the amplifier begins to overheat. There are also undervoltage, overvoltage and short circuit protection, as well as thermal shutdown functions. A low quiescent current of only 10mA helps further conserve battery power.