ST Microelectronics , semiconductor suppliers to the automotive infotainment segment, have introduced the car audio-amplifier with digital input.
Direct connection to the digital audio player eliminates the need for signal conversion, resulting in higher sound quality, better noise immunity, simpler system design and greater system reliability.
The automotive audio amplifier with digital input, ST Microelectronics’ TDA7801 digital audio power-amplifier addresses the new trend towards a fully digital head unit and sound systems in the car, delivering numerous advantages over existing solutions that are based on analogue inputs and digital-analogue converters.
ST Microelectronics’ power amplifier has both dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio (from around 90dB to more than 105dB), and delivers intrinsically pop-free operation without clicks or noises during car battery transitions.
The elimination of analogue lines on the car-radio board also results in noise immunity. The audible effects of the cellular network interference are effectively cancelled.
The manufacturing process used for the TDA7801 digital audio power-amplifier contributes to the reliability and robustness of the car-audio system.
Integrated in a power amplifier by ST Microelectronics in 2000, the embedded diagnostics have helped to improve the quality of the car-audio system, and reduced warranty issues by registering any accidental misconnection that could damage the amplifier.
The digital audio power-amplifier design reduces the number of active and passive components, simplifying system design and delivering cost-savings at the system and manufacturing process levels.
The TDA7801 digital audio power-amplifier is the first member of ST Microelectronics’ new digital automotive audio amplifier family.
ST Microelectronics will have further additions to the family: a Class-SBi (ST’s patented efficiency class for the lowest power dissipation possible outside Class-D) version of the TDA7801, and a digital-input Class-D solution that will deliver further increase in power savings.