About UsST Releases New Automotive Audio Amplifier With High-Definition Sound
The TDA7901 supports high-definition audio and integrates a high efficiency buck controller
STMicroelectronics have released the new TDA7901 which integrates a buck controller for class-G power switching, together with high-definition audio, a market-unique combination for great listening and high efficiency.
In class-G operation, the integrated buck controller automatically optimizes the voltage supplied to the bridge-tied load (BTL) power stage depending on the level of the audio-signal. This results in smooth, analog sound together with near-class-D efficiency at normal listening levels. As the power dissipation is much lower than a conventional class-A/B amplifier, the heatsink requirement is optimized. Integrating the buck controller into the IC helps to reduce the system size and weight. It also cuts the bill of materials, simplifying circuit design, together with saving time in developing firmware to control the voltage rail.
The TDA7901 is suited to use in many in-vehicle information (IVI) systems, such as head units, smart cockpit systems, external amplifiers, and more. The amplifier also provides full in-play diagnostics including real-time load-current monitoring through the I2S or I2C interfaces, enabling ASIL-A certification of safety-related applications like warning-tone generators and acoustic vehicle alerting systems (AVAS). A digital impedance meter is also provided, ensuring systems containing the TDA7901 can meet the most demanding requirements of automotive OEMs.
With its I2S digital input and intelligent quad-BTL output, the TDA7901 delivers up to 4 x 43W of audio power (at 4Ω load, saturated output at 14.4V). The bandwidth of the amplifier is 80kHz to handle high-definition audio. It also has a wide supply-voltage range, spanning 4.5V-18.5V, prevents disruption by start-stop engine operation and general automotive electrical transients.
Features of the TDA7901 Class-G single-chip quad-bridge amplifier include:
- 24-bit resolution
- High Resolution Bandwidth support:
- Up to 40 kHz (I²S 96 kHz) with attenuation [0 dB, -2 dB]
- Up to 80 kHz (I²S 192 kHz) with attenuation [0 dB, -2 dB]
- 117 dB dynamic range
- Real-time load current monitoring
- Voltage monitoring feature on I²C
- High Efficiency SB-I (SB-Improved) and Class-G operation
- 1 Ω driving capability
- High output power capability:
- 4 x 27 W 4Ω@ 14.4 V, 1 kHz, THD = 10 %
- 4 x 47 W 2Ω@ 14.4 V, 1 kHz, THD = 10 %
- Flexible mode control:
- Full I²C bus driving (1.8 V/3.3 V) with eight addresses selectable
- Independent front/rear play/mute
- Selectable digital gains
- Very low noise
- Digital diagnostic with DC and AC load Detections
- Digital diagnostic with OL and OD in play
- Current Offset Protection
- Start-stop compatibility
- Sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz
- Flexible serial data port (1.8 V/3.3 V):
- I²S standard, TDM 4Ch, TDM 8Ch, TDM 16Ch
- Output Voltage Offset Detector
- Independent front/rear clipping detector
- Programmable diagnostic pin
- CMOS compatible enable pin
- Thermal protection
- Pop free in mute to play transitions and vice versa
More information on the TDA7901 Quad Power Amplifier is available on the ST website at STMicroelectronics TDA7901 product page.
The STMicroelectronics website address is www.st.com
[Reprinted with kind permission from STMicroelectronics - Release Date, 11th April, 2022]