STMicroelectronics has revealed the industry's first full-digital audio-amplifier system-on-chip family suitable for use in dash-mounted sound-system control panels in the car.
Class-D amplifiers achieve about 80% higher energy efficiency than analog class-AB amplifiers. This greater efficiency helps reduce the electrical load on the alternator and can allow extra functions or speaker channels within standardized enclosure dimensions.
Historically, cost, pc-board size and EMI issues have confined automotive class-D applications to high-power booster amplifiers. Overcoming these barriers, ST’s full-digital amplifier ICs now allow popular in-car equipment to deliver powerful high-quality audio experiences.
ST’s new audio amplifiers also enhance the audio performance of high-power boosters and integrate circuitry to allow continuous, undistorted playback in vehicles using stop-start engine technology, or in hybrid vehicles as the electrical traction drives and combustion engine switch between various operating modes.
ST has also indicated plans to expand its FDA full digital amplifier family in the future, starting with a 2-channel device early in 2013.
