Class-D audio amplifier cuts cost & development time

26th August 2014

Nat Bowers

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Datasheet

Allowing designers to eliminate multiple discrete components, the mono-channel, analog differential input TAS5421-Q1 audio amplifier has been unveiled. Texas Instruments claim that this is the industry’s first automotive Class-D audio amplifier to integrate load-dump protection and diagnostics in a single device for emergency call (eCall) and instrument cluster systems.

There is increasing demand for automotive eCall systems, which in the event of a crash, automatically communicates and broadcasts its location to the nearest emergency centre. This can significantly reduce response time to save lives. eCall systems need to run reliably and autonomously for long periods of time using only backup battery power.

Simplifying automotive-grade diagnostic design and extending battery back-up power, the TAS5421-Q1 delivers 90% efficiency and low quiescent current. This eliminates the need to use additional battery cells, resulting in lower overall system cost, space and weight compared to discrete solutions. Integrated 40V load dump and over-temperature protection enables use in harsh automotive environments. The integrated full automotive-grade diagnostics ensure reliability and decrease system complexity.

TI has also released an automotive eCall reference design comprised of analogue AEC-Q100-qualified ICs. This design includes the full bill-of-materials, schematics, test data and design files for quick design of an eCall system.

Available in a 16-pin HTSSOP package with PowerPAD package, the TAS5421-Q1 is priced from $1.74 each in 1,000 unit quantities.