industry news
Subscribe Now

Flexible, space-saving class-D amplifier for in-car audio, from STMicroelectronics, adds automotive-optimized diagnostics

Delivers clear and powerful listening experiences

Geneva, Switzerland, September 23, 2024 – The STMicroelectronics HFA80A automotive-grade analog-input class-D audio amplifier combines high efficiency, small size, and a low bill of materials, with load diagnostics optimized for automotive and native electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

With its feedback-before-filter topology and 2MHz nominal PWM frequency, the HFA80A lets designers optimize the output filter for the targeted performance and achieve a compact outline with small component values. Spread-spectrum operation simplifies meeting the mandatory CISPR 25 specification, with no additional EMC-specific filtering required.

The amplifier delivers clear and powerful listening experiences, driving up to 4x 49W into 2Ω speakers at 14.4V and with typical harmonic distortion (THD) specified at 0.015% (1W/4Ω). Pure sound is assured, with low output noise and crosstalk as well as 80dB power supply rejection specified at 1W/1kHz with 4Ω loads.

Flat frequency response up to 40kHz ensures generous bandwidth for high-resolution audio, which designers can extend to 80kHz by optimizing the filter. In addition, the HFA80A can handle performance-centric applications such as noise cancelling thanks to low latency by design.

The automotive-specific diagnostics is based on a specially conceived noise-immune algorithm capable of detecting anomalous load conditions and variations. Features include independent DC and AC load detection for each channel, detection of short-circuit on startup, and overcurrent protection with configurable thresholds. Further diagnostic checks include input-voltage DC-offset detection, output-current offset detection, and thermal protection with a choice of four different thermal warnings. 

A dedicated, configurable pin signals the host microcontroller when new diagnostic information is available, which simplifies host communications and relieves CPU workload. An I2C-bus interface provides access to the device features and diagnostic data, and a backup mode lets the amplifier continue operating even if I2C control is lost. In addition, the HFA80A features a digital admittance meter (DAM) that eases development by helping engineers check the connected speaker characteristics without external measurement tools or sensors.

The HFA80A is available now in a compact 7mm x 7mm LQFP48L thermally enhanced package with exposed pads, from $4.80 for orders of 1000 pieces.

Please visit www.st.com/hfa80a-class-d-audio-amp for more information.

Leave a Reply

featured blogs
Oct 3, 2024
Someone with too much time on his hands managed to get Linux to boot on an Intel 4004 in only 4.76 days...

featured paper

A game-changer for IP designers: design-stage verification

Sponsored by Siemens Digital Industries Software

In this new technical paper, you’ll gain valuable insights into how, by moving physical verification earlier in the IP design flow, you can locate and correct design errors sooner, reducing costs and getting complex designs to market faster. Dive into the challenges of hard, soft and custom IP creation, and learn how to run targeted, real-time or on-demand physical verification with precision, earlier in the layout process.

Read more

featured chalk talk

Choosing the Ideal Semiconductor Technology for your Topology
Sponsored by Mouser Electronics and Infineon
Wide band gap semiconductor materials are great choices for next generation power converter switches. In this episode of Chalk Talk, Amelia Dalton and Matthew Reynolds from Infineon explore the benefits and tradeoffs of GaN, silicon junction or Silicon carbide power switching technology, the importance that body diode performance plays in these solutions and how you can take advantage of gallium nitride, silicon carbide, and silicon junction wide band gap power solutions in your next design.
Sep 27, 2024
8,796 views