Four channel linear power amplifier for car audio

A new 4-channel high efficiency linear power amplifier for in-vehicle audio applications has been introduced by Toshiba Electronics Europe in order to meet the performance and sound quality demands of electronic engineers.

The TCB702FNG can be used as a power amplifier or line output amplifier, delivering a maximum output power of 45W into a 4Ω load. High fidelity output is achieved through a total harmonic distortion (THD) of just 0.02% with output noise levels as low as 60μVrms. The new amplifier is housed in a 36-pin HSSOP package and is pin-compatible with the company’s TCB701FNG high efficiency 50W linear power amplifier, offering flexibility to designers.

In developing the TCB702FNG, Toshiba has improved on its technology to realize efficiency levels that are comparable with a digital high efficiency, class D amplifier across the actual operating range of 0.5 to 4W. As a result, the power consumption of the new device is reduced by up to 80% when compared to a typical class AB amplifier.

The TCB702FNG includes a self-diagnosis function with I2C bus control that can diagnose errors such as crossed output connections. It also includes full-time error detection of any output DC offset voltage, which can quickly detect abnormal output offset voltages and prevent speaker burnout, improving system reliability. Other inbuilt protections include over voltage and low voltage.

Supporting 6V operation ensures that the TCB702FNG is compatible with vehicles that have idling reduction system as well as suppressing ‘popping’ sounds due to fluctuating supply voltages.

Sample shipments start today with mass production scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2019.