Audio power amp boosts efficiency, saves batteries
1 min read
Audium Semiconductor has launched an audio power amplifier ic which is said to be 20 times more efficient at normal listening levels than competing devices, such as Class D amplifiers.
The AS1001 operates from a nominal 1.5V power supply and delivers a peak power of 100W. According to the company, the amplifier is so efficient that, when used for three hours a day, battery powered amplified loudspeakers can run for up to 10 months on a set of four C batteries.
Huw Davies, Audium's chief commercial officer, said: "The AS1001 marks a huge leap forward in efficiency and has come from examining how equipment is really used rather than striving for a marketable arbitrary figure."
The AS1001 architecture uses patented techniques to minimise both fixed power losses and output dependant variable power losses. The modulation scheme uses low switching rates to minimise switching losses. Power rail switching means that the amplifier operates efficiently from a low voltage rail most of the time, with a dc/dc boost converter driving higher voltage transistors on extreme audio peaks.
Audium believes the amplifier will enable the development of smaller, cooler, mains powered audio equipment, with fewer heat sinks. Applications include totally wireless speakers, home theatre surround sound speakers and battery powered travel speakers.
