Trends in class D amplifiers

摘要

Modern class D solutions have vastly improved over previous generations, as designers of these systems have made great strides to improve system robustness and increase audio quality. In fact, the advantages of using these amplifiers now outweigh any disadvantages associated with them for most applications. In traditional class D amplifiers, a controller is used to convert analog or digital audio to a PWM signal before being amplified by power MOS-FETs, usually integrated into a power backend device. These amplifiers have the benefit of high efficiency, leading to smaller or no heat sinks and reduced power supply output power requirements. However, they also have inherent system issues such as cost, performance, and EMI as compared to traditional class A/B amplifiers. New trends in class D amplifiers work to address these issues.