What is a Class G amplifier?

Class G amplifiers are distinct in their ability to provide high-fidelity audio while also being far more energy-efficient than Class A, B, or AB designs, addressing the need for performance and efficiency in modern electronic applications.

The difference between amplifiers

Class A amplifiers

Class A amplifiers are the simplest form of power amplifiers that operate with their output transistors conducting electrical current all the time, meaning the output transistors always have current flowing through them, regardless of the audio signal presence. This constant current flow allows Class A designs to produce very high-quality audio with minimal distortion because the transistors never turn off. However, this efficiency comes at the cost of high power consumption and significant heat generation, making Class A amplifiers less energy-efficient and requiring substantial cooling mechanisms.

Class B amplifiers

Class B amplifiers improve upon the energy efficiency of Class A designs by operating their output transistors in a push-pull arrangement. In this configuration, one transistor amplifies the positive half of the audio waveform, while another transistor handles the negative half. This design significantly reduces power consumption and heat generation since the transistors are off half of the time. However, this efficiency gain introduces a drawback known as crossover distortion, occurring at the point where the signal switches between the positive and negative halves.

Class AB amplifiers

Class AB amplifiers are designed to combine the advantages of Class A and Class B amplifiers. They operate their output transistors in a way that both are always on but at a low current for a part of the signal cycle, reducing the crossover distortion found in Class B amplifiers while also improving energy efficiency compared to Class A amplifiers. Class AB amplifiers are widely used because they strike a balance between audio quality and efficiency, making them suitable for a broad range of applications.

How Class G amplifiers are different

Class G amplifiers take the concept of efficiency further than Class AB amplifiers by incorporating multiple power supply rails of different voltages. They dynamically switch between these rails based on the input signal's demands, using lower voltages for weaker signals and higher voltages for stronger ones. This approach reduces power consumption and heat generation without compromising audio quality.

The inception of Class G technology was driven by the need for more energy-efficient amplifiers that do not compromise on audio quality. Traditional amplifier designs, while effective, often suffer from significant power losses, primarily in the form of heat. This inefficiency can be a critical drawback in applications where energy conservation and thermal management are important.

Class G amplifiers address these challenges head-on. By intelligently managing the power supply to the amplifier's output stage, they achieve remarkable efficiency gains. This leads to several benefits:

• Reduced power consumption: Class G amplifiers consume less power compared to their traditional counterparts, making them ideal for use in battery-powered devices.
• Lower heat generation: the increased efficiency results in less heat production, alleviating the need for extensive cooling mechanisms and allowing for more compact designs.
• High audio performance: despite their focus on efficiency, Class G amplifiers do not sacrifice audio quality. They can deliver clean, dynamic sound across a wide range of volumes.
• Environmental benefits: lower power consumption translates to a reduced environmental impact, aligning with global efforts towards energy conservation and sustainability.

At its core, a Class G amplifier incorporates multiple power supply rails of different voltages. It switches between these rails dynamically as the input signal varies. For low-level signals, the amplifier uses a lower voltage rail, minimising power loss. When the signal requires more power, the amplifier switches to a higher voltage rail. This adaptability allows the Class G amplifier to operate efficiently across a wide range of output levels, reducing the heat generated and power wasted in comparison to more traditional amplifier classes.

Class G amplifiers are becoming increasingly popular in automotive audio and portable electronic devices, where efficiency and battery life are paramount.