Headphone Amp Liberates Board Space

The MAX9729, a heavily integrated headphone amplifier, employs the company’s DirectDrive technology, an architecture that provides a ground-referenced output from a single supply. This approach eliminates the need for large dc-blocking capacitors, thereby freeing up board real estate. The device integrates software-enabled bass boost and volume control, a BEEP input with independent attenuation control, 3:1 stereo input multiplexer, and click-and-pop suppression circuitry. Other features include eight different programmable gain settings, an I2C interface, output power of 52 mW into a 32-Ω load, a 0.03% THD+N, and a 90-dB PSRR. Available in a 28-pin TQFN measuring 5 mm x 5 mm x 0.8 mm, pricing starts at $0.80 each/1,000. An evaluation kit is also available. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.