Semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics has released a full-digital, audio amplifier system-on-chip family for use in dash-mounted sound-system automotive control panels. According to the company, the new full-digital amplifier represents the company’s triumph over traditional cost, pc-board size and EMI issues that have confined automotive class-D applications to high-power booster amplifiers.
The new amplifier is equipped with an integrated digital input that, according to the company, renders signal conversion and filtering circuitry unnecessary. The company also states that the patented feedback loop eliminates the need for a large output filter and additional patented features reduce electromagnetic interference with the tuner and simplify “end-product certification to automotive electromagnetic compatibility standards CEI EN 55025 and ISO 11452-2 (2004).”
