STMicroelectronics has revealed Class D automotive audio amplifiers for smart-cockpit applications. They have tiny overall dimensions and a digital input that simplifies circuit design.
The launch of the HFDA80D and HFDA90D extends ST’s family of high-frequency automotive amplifiers, complementing the HFA80A analog-input IC. All the devices operate at a switching frequency of 2MHz to save PCB space and reduce the bill of materials. With architectural innovations that minimize the package pin count and external components, the ICs deliver four 27W output channels from a 7 x 7mm exposed-pad-up LQFP48 package.
With the amps’ digital inputs, STMicroelectronics aims to ease integration, simplify design and save space by eliminating analog conversion. The devices reportedly increase audio clarity and elevate efficiency above the typical value for this type of device.
Configured and fully addressable through their I2C bus interface, the amplifiers deliver high output power for in-car infotainment audio applications. Also featuring low audio-processing latency, they can be used in active noise cancellation (ANC) and road-noise cancellation (RNC) applications.
The company says the amplifiers can handle the challenges of the automotive electrical environment, and are immune to pop and tick noise caused by battery variations and switching transients. The spread-spectrum modulation ensures native CISPR25 Class V compliance.
STMicroelectronics reports that the amps feature in-play open-load detection, overcurrent protection, short-to-Vcc or ground on startup, output diagnostics and thermal warnings. With a digital admittance meter (DAM), as well as a load-current monitor in the HFDA90D, the amplifiers let designers customize the diagnostics and also ensure superior speaker linearization.
