Class D Audio Amp Comes On One Chip

Designated the TDA7480, TDA7481 and TDA7482, these Class D amplifiers operate as a simple switch in the power stage, unlike Class AB amplifiers which have output stages that operate in linear fashion. The advantage of Class D is more efficiency and less wasted power. In a Class AB amplifier, efficiency is only 50% compared to 90% for Class D. Package is a 20-pin DIP for the TDA7480 to replace a conventional linear amplifier in the Multiwatt power package with a heat sink.