Class D Audio Subsystem Touts Highest Output Power, Smallest Size

Reportedly providing the industry's highest output power and enabling the smallest footprint, the MAX9796 2.3W Class D audio subsystem combines a mono Class D amplifier, DirectDrive stereo headphone amplifier, and a DirectDrive mono receiver amplifier into a 32-bump, 3 mm x 3 mm UCSP. Employing the patented DirectDrive architecture, the receiver and headphone amplifiers produce a ground-referenced output from a single supply, eliminating the need for large dc-blocking capacitors. The chip delivers 2.3W of output power into a 4-Ω load from a 5V supply and efficiencies up to 79%. Other features include a fully differential architecture, full-bridged output, click-and-pop suppression, and an operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C. Prices start at $1.67 each/1,000. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.