Power amplifier IC delivers high-quality sound reproduction

Toshiba Electronics Europe has developed a 4-channel, high-efficiency class-AB linear power amplifier IC that delivers high-quality sound reproduction for car audio applications while significantly reducing power consumption.

Offering efficiency comparable to class-D digital amplifiers, the TCB701FNG IC uses patented technology to operate at just 10% of the power of conventional class-AB amplifiers (under normal operating conditions: 0.5 to 4W). BoM cost is around half that of more expensive Class-D alternatives as no EMI or low-pass filtering is required.

As well as highly efficient, low-noise operation, the TCB701FNG incorporates an extended set of self-diagnosis capabilities that can monitor and report various error states via the I2C bus. These capabilities include full-time fault detection of output DC offset. This prevents speaker burnout and improves overall reliability.

Additional functionality includes anti high-frequency noise, protection against output cross connection and over- and under-voltage, three levels of over-temperature detection, standby/mute control and GSM noise suppression.

Toshiba’s new IC is supplied in a 36-pin HSSOP package and can be used in both power amplifier and line drive mode. The device can operate with a supply voltage of 6 to 18V, supports 49W x4 channels, and is compatible with speakers rated to 2Ω. Output noise voltage is just 60µVrms.

Sample shipments start in January 2018.