Class-D Amplifier will bring Slimmer, More Powerful, Better-Sounding TV and Hi-Fi

Joining ST’s family of analog-input class-D ICs, the TDA7492 expands the family at the high end. The family now includes 3W-, 5W-, 10W-, 20W-, 25W, and 50W-per-channel variants in pin-compatible packages that enable convenient scaling of designs to address multiple markets.

The TDA7492 is the first 50W+50W rated amplifier on the market to use the advanced sixth-generation BCD6S (Bipolar/CMOS/DMOS) process, which allows analog, logic, and high-voltage functions on a single chip. ST’s BCD6S process achieves higher operating efficiency per chip size than other class-D amplifiers, while simultaneously reducing crosstalk, leading to improved audio quality. In addition, BCD6S enables complementary NMOS and PMOS transistors in the high-power output circuitry, saving the external bootstrap capacitor and diode normally required by older processes. The approach simplifies design, saves pc-board space, and trims the bill of materials.

ST’s TDA7492 achieves low distortion (THD+N) of below 0.01%, to deliver a high-quality listening experience. Built-in output filtering minimizes the external audio-filter requirement, and standby and mute functions are also integrated. The IC is optimized for low EMI emissions, which further simplifies the design of class-D amplifiers delivering smaller size and greater audio power than conventional class-A/B circuits.

Other features include external synchronization, which allows high-performance, multi-channel class-D amplifiers combining several individual ICs. The thermally enhanced Power SSO-36 package has an exposed upper heat slug allowing convenient attachment of a simple heatsink.