THE FEASIBILITY OF CLASS D AMPLIFIERS FOR ACTIVE LOUD-SPEAKER APPLICATIONS

摘要

In 2002 the author made a comparison of the audio quality, audio quantity and cost of some commonly available power amplifier modules. This paper will investigate the hypothesis that today the best value can obtained using Class D amplifiers. This will be studied by comparing four topologies. The amplifiers have been measured in the same controlled conditions representing an application in an active loudspeaker. To make a fair cost comparison the amplifiers have been assembled on PCBs from components in-house rather than using complete ready power amplifier modules. In addition to the audio and cost criteria, energy efficiency will be considered.