New amplifier with audio - IC and multi-chip modules

Infineon is combining its existing line of amplifiers with audio applications - IC and multi-chip modules. Four new Merus brand IC amplifiers have been proposed.

With its new "Merus" brand for audio amplifier ICs, Infineon wants to highlight the advantages of its amplifier ICs:

1. When the sound is generated in the speaker, the heat is not distributed;

2. Can't see, but can hear it;

3. Small and light;

4. Be flexible and configurable, but not just delicate and difficult to use.

The Merus amplifier is based on a new technology: multi-stage switching technology for Class D audio amplifiers, comparable to multi-level converter technology. Not only does it provide high efficiency, but it also has a positive impact on other audio amplifiers such as sound quality, size, output power, electromagnetic emissions and component costs.

Under the new Merus brand, Infineon bundles its amplifier ICs for audio applications.

Infineon is modulating the new Class D audio amplifier to control the power level of the analog five-speed converter. These multistage Class D amplifiers use additional power MOSFETs (integrated in the IC) and capacitors compared to conventional amplifiers.

This technique makes it possible to output an audio signal with a higher granularity, ie with a higher switching frequency and a scalable output signal level. Another advantage of multi-stage Class D amplifiers: they allow for smaller designs and sleep modes with virtually no measurable switching losses.

Four new Merus amplifiers

Based on the new modulation technology, Infineon introduces one of four integrated multi-stage class D audio amplifiers: the MA12040 and MA12070 with analog audio inputs, MA12040P and MA12070P with digital inputs (I 2 S). They are satisfied with power consumption in the 250 mW range and have no output filter. Therefore, they are particularly suitable for portable battery powered devices and for applications with limited installation space - if there is no space for the heat sink and the output filter is present.

The new Merus Class D amplifiers from the Infineon MA12040 / P and MA12070 / P support up to four channels.

Traditional Class D amplifiers operate only at higher volume levels and are more efficient. A realistic and typical audio playback that requires an average of about 1 watt of output power for itself is much more power than the IC of the first generation Merus multi-stage class d audio amplifier now presented.

The new audio amplifier IC supports up to four channels in the mode PBTL (parallel bridge load), BTL (bridged load) or SE (single-ended) can be configured. In PBTL mode, a single monolithic IC can deliver up to 160 W of peak power - maximum. 16 A load current. Alternatively, a four-channel IC can also be used in a 2.1 system, for example, two to drive a 20 watt range speaker (SE mode) and a 40 W woofer (BTL mode).

The new Merus Class D amplifiers, the MA12040/P and MA12070/P, have an integrated digital power supply with low distortion (THD + N = 0.003%) and low EMI emissions. They are protected by a variety of built-in functions: undervoltage shutdown (UVLO), short/overcurrent and DC protection, and warning and error messages when overheating. Infineon offers an integrated Merus Class Daudio amplifier IC in a thermally optimized 64-pin QFN package with EPAD (exposed thermal pad).