SiliconIntervention: Low-Level Efficiency Improvements in Class-D

Driven by the need to maximize battery life in portable devices, Class-D efficiency at low output levels is receiving greater attention. This is particularly important to achieve longer battery life in designs such as true wireless earbuds. Power optimized amplification is precisely the goal for Multilevel Class-D, and now there's also Fractal Class-D, a new technology developed by SiliconIntervention, a Canadian company formed in 2019 as the result of the pioneering research and development of its founder Martin Mallinson, the former Chief Scientist at ESS Technology.

Infineon Technologies recently introduced its latest generation of MERUS multilevel Class-D audio amplifiers, and now the company announced new ecosystem partners that are ready to support interested developers and manufacturers with their design-in efforts. Partnering with the experts, the company aims to boost the adoption of these new amplifiers with a unique Class D modulation of up to 5 different output voltage levels.

Brand-New! The REF_MA5332BTLSPS reference board is a single BTL channel, 200 W/ch (4 Ω at 40 V) class D audio power amplifier for home audio systems. It features a single BTL channel self-oscillating type PWM for the lowest component count, convenient single power supply and highest performance and robust design. Be first to download all information and start working on your development with the Infineon Class-D Audio Amplifier MERUS MA5332MS IC!

This article shares a new important insight on modern Class-D amplification from the experienced perspective of Jens Tybo Jensen - part of the founding team at Merus Audio, and now head of Class D Audio Marketing and Applications at Infineon. The author states that it may be time to rethink Class D audio design and measurement practices, and he details what multilevel Class D amplification can do for new product designs. This article was originally published in audioXpress, October 2019.