Intersil Audio amplifiers feature low power consumption and high RF immunity

The ISL99201, available in 9-bump 0.4mm pitch WCSP, is the world's smallest Class D amplifier. It is a filterless, fully integrated, high-efficiency mono amplifier capable of delivering up to 2.5W into a 4 ohm load. It features a low-noise modulation scheme, operating with 86 percent efficiency at 400mW into 8 ohms, and has a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that is better than 95dB. The ISL99201 also includes a micropower shutdown mode with a typical shutdown current of 200nA. The fully-differential input of the ISL99201 provides 75dB rejection to common mode noise on the input. The ISL99201 is available in three fixed-gain settings that reduce Bill-of-Materials (BOM) costs and save board space. It is also available with programmable gain setting option for design flexibility. In addition to the WCSP package, the ISL99201 is available in an 8-lead TDFN package.

Available in 12-bump 0.4mm pitch WCSP, Intersil's ISL99202 is the world's smallest stereo capfree headphone amplifier, and supports 16 ohm to 600 ohm speaker impedance. Its ultra-wide operating voltage of 2.4V to 5.5V makes the new amplifier ideal for use in mobile battery-powered applications that use 2 AA or single cell Li-Ion batteries, as well as in notebook computers using 3.3V to 5V power supplies. It is also available in 12-lead TQFN package.

With the proliferation of wireless technology, audio amplifiers are routinely exposed to RF energy. For example, even though phones using the GSM protocol operate at frequencies between 800MHz and 1900MHz, the data transfers in bursts at 217Hz, which is in the audio frequency range. Many competitive amplifiers reproduce this noise in the headphones, which results in the now familiar bumble bee buzz. Some audio amplifiers detect the 217Hz signal, akin to demodulation of FM transmissions, and amplify it to the headphone output. The ISL99202 has a unique input architecture that suppresses this demodulation and prevents the bursts at 217Hz from interfering with the audio output.

In addition, the bursts at 217Hz cause spikes on the power supply. Some poorly designed amplifiers couple these power supply spikes through the amplifier outputs, resulting in an audible buzz. Amplifiers typically have a parameter called power supply rejection ratio (PSRR), which specifies the ability of the amplifier to reject noise from the power supply. The ISL99202 is designed to have the highest PSRR in its class, which also contributes to its industry-leading RF immunity.

The ISL99202 also features audiophile quality SNR and THD specifications, and Intersil's state-of-the-art click-and-pop suppression technology. Comprehensive protection features include undervoltage and short-circuit protection, as well as thermal shutdown.