Class D Audio Amplifier IC

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MERUS™ class D audio amplifier ICs, multi-chip modules and discrete MOSFET/HEMT driver ICs

A traditional class D amplifier is a switching amplifier, usually consisting of two power MOSFETs with pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal. An LC filter is needed for output levels >20 W which increases both size and costs.

With an increasing number of audio channels per product, traditional class D power amplifiers face design challenges in compact applications: low power efficiency, excessive heat generation (even at moderate listening levels), and the need for bulky, costly filters. Infineon’s multilevel class D audio amplifier circuit technology – the world’s first of its kind – has made it possible to improve power consumption while reducing electromagnetic interference and out-of-band noise. Manufacturing costs can also be reduced by eliminating or minimizing the use of filters, helping to save design space.

With revolutionary multilevel class D amplifier ICs, Infineon leads in power efficiency and power density. Cooler, smaller, and lighter class D audio amplifiers for great sounding products.

What is a class D amplifier?

A traditional class D amplifier is a switching amplifier, usually consisting of two power MOSFETs with pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal. An LC filter is needed for output levels >20 W which increases both size and costs.

With an increasing number of audio channels per product, traditional class D amplifiers face design challenges in compact applications: low power efficiency, excessive heat generation (even at moderate listening levels), and the need for bulky, costly filters. Infineon’s multilevel amplification technology – the world’s first of its kind – has made it possible to improve power consumption while reducing electromagnetic interference and out-of-band noise. Manufacturing costs can also be reduced by eliminating or minimizing the use of filters, helping to save design space.

Class D audio amplifier IC product benefits, solutions & applications

Hear it. Feel it. Experience it. It’s all about clear sound. Infineon’s MERUS™ products, developed according to three basic principles for audio amplifier performance, enable exactly that.

Infineon Class D Audio Amplifier ICs provide the following benefits:

Power efficiency - produce sound in speakers, not heat to the surroundings

Integration - be heard, not seen – smaller and lighter is better, bulky, and heavy is history

Quality - be robust and flexible, not delicate and demanding

Infineon’s class D amplifier IC portfolio includes fully integrated single-chip audio solutions as well as discrete audio solutions with highly scalable amplifier driver IC and power MOSFET combinations. MERUS™ is Infineon’s brand dedicated to class D audio amplifier IC applications, offering output power levels ranging from 20 W to more than 2000 W per channel. The MERUS™ portfolio is ideally suited to a broad range of design requirements.

Infineon combines its core principles, competencies, and leadership in groundbreaking power semiconductors with revolutionary class D audio power amplifier IC technologies such as MERUS™. This makes it possible to provide complete solutions that are not only small, light, robust, and flexible, but also lower heat dissipation.

In addition to offering outstanding quality and reliability, Infineon’s class D audio amplifier circuit solutions maximize power efficiency and dynamic range while providing best-in-class performance in different form factors and shapes.

This is what makes Infineon’s MERUS™ class D audio amplifier ICs an optimal fit for high-end applications in both low (<40 V) and high voltage (100-600 V) ranges. Our high-power class D amplifier IC solutions offer superb audio performance and scalable output power, while our low power class d amplifier solutions offer multilevel switching for ultrahigh power efficiency and power density. Using our multilevel amplification technology, customers are enabled to manufacture heatsink-free, filter-less, high performance audio products with fewer components, lower total system costs, and longer battery playback time.

With patented architectures, proprietary algorithms, advanced manufacturing technologies, as well as elaborate verification and testing, Infineon offers expertise and partnership to manufacturers aiming to deliver progressive products for an unprecedented sound experience. MERUS™ audio amplifier solutions ensure outstanding performance, maximum flexibility, and highest reliability.

The portfolio of low and high-power class d amplifier circuits available in both analog and digital input class D amplifier packages addresses a broad range of premium class D applications. It includes fully integrated monolithic audio amplifier ICs, multi-chip audio amplifier modules (MCMs), as well as discrete amplifier driver IC and power MOSFET solutions. Scalable in the output power range from 20 watts to several kilowatts, MERUS™ products meet the most stringent and demanding application needs.

Infineon’s MERUS™ is the perfect fit for portable/battery powered applications, voice controlled active speakers, television sets, stereo HiFi, soundbars, monitors, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), and multichannel audio systems.

Infineon offers complete class d amplifier IC solutions for portable/battery powered as well as home and professional amplifier applications. Infineon’s MERUS™ class D audio amplifier circuit portfolio covers power ranges of 20 W to 2000 W per channel. It includes single-chip devices, multi-chip class D amplifier modules (MCMs) and highly scalable discrete audio amplifier solutions consisting of powerful MOSFET/CoolGaN™ enhancement mode (e-mode) HEMT and driver IC combinations.

Let’s get creative! Let’s innovate! Let’s work together on a customized design. Here are some of the applications we could choose from.

Portable/battery powered audio applications

For portable/battery powered audio devices, it is essential to maximize battery playback time while maintaining excellent performance. Infineon’s MERUS™ class d audio amplifier ICs provide up to twice-as-long battery playback time in combination with best-in-class performance and unsurpassed sound quality.

  • Battery powered speakers
  • On-the-go Bluetooth speakers
  • Docking speakers
  • Boom boxes
  • Wearable speakers

Home and audio applications

Modern home audio products come in many shapes, sizes, and configurations, but one thing they all have in common is the requirement for remarkable sound paired with outstanding industrial and acoustic design. Infineon’s MERUS™ class D audio power amplifier ICs pave the way for innovative and unforgettable sounding home audio products in form factors and shapes that were previously unthinkable.

  • Multiroom systems
  • Home hubs
  • TVs
  • Soundbars
  • Home theater systems
  • Smart speakers

Professional audio applications

Professional audio equipment is all about maximizing output power and power density. Big, heavy, and energy consuming professional audio electronics are history. Infineon MERUS™ high power class D amplifier IC solutions offer customers scalability of output power levels to achieve the sound quality at a professional standard.

>Download the MERUS™ solutions application brochure

Benefit from exceptional audio performance, ultra-high energy efficiency, maximized output power, high reliability, design freedom, and fast time to market by choosing Infineon MERUS™ for your design.

In a world where green technology is increasingly important, the advantages won with MERUS™ solutions reinforce Infineon’s mission: Part of your life. Part of tomorrow. We make life easier, safer and greener – with technology that achieves more, consumes less and is accessible to everyone. Microelectronics from Infineon is the key to a better future.

Below is a class d amplifier IC comparison chart that showcases the various features and benefits of integrated ICs compared to ICs + MOSFETS/e-mode GAN drivers for both analog and digital input class d amplifiers. This chart shows which products have the lowest idle output power levels and highest power without a heatsink, as well as those that are scalable in output power as well as which products offer best audio performance.

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Class D Audio Amplifier partner solutions

Consumers today are placing increasing importance to excellent sound quality in audio devices. Particularly, for home sound systems and equipment, superior sound adds a great atmosphere to any setting. Meeting modern demands of audio applications, MERUS™ class D amplifiers maximize audio performance and battery playback time for smart home and battery-powered speakers while minimizing heat and design space. Building upon its innovative class D audio technology, Infineon is joining forces with its partners to offer customers comprehensive and leading-edge solutions that will propel audio performance to the next level even for the most demanding applications.

Customers looking for a module or reference design containing Infineon’s MERUS™ class D amplifiers can contact one of our partners listed below. This section provides an overview and introduction to our partners and their offerings, as well as a relevant distributor or contact person for purchasing support. Kindly refer to the links used in the texts, company logo, and partner signet to navigate directly to the respective website for further information.

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Introduction to MERUS™ Class D amplifier MA5332MS

Infineon training MERUS™ Class D Audio Amplifier MA5332MS

By taking this course you will...

  • ... know about high power audio and gain insights about the challenges that are faced.
  • ... understand Infineon's MERUS™ Class D amplifier offerings and the positioning of MA5332MS.
  • ... have knowledge of key features, advantages and benefits of MA5332MS.
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