Why Smart Power Audio Amplifiers Are Becoming Important to Smartphones

It’s not unusual to see friends gathered around a sideways-turned phone to share the viewing and listening experience while watching videos on the phone’s external speakers. This trend toward stereo audio in smartphones, and other audio-playing devices, shows that audio amplifiers are playing a more important role in smartphone design. As a result, audio amplifiers are seeing a big jump in both unit volume and technology. This article was originally published in audioXpress, July 2019.

To support the growing trend toward stereo audio in smartphones and portable devices, Cirrus Logic announced the new Cirrus Logic CS35L41 boosted smart power amplifier, based on 55nm process design. The new Class D amp delivers on the “big three” OEM requirements for mobile applications: enriched audio sound, efficient low-power management and a space-saving package. Featuring predictive algorithms, the power amp increases the audio volume when in speakerphone mode, while reducing noise and power consumption.

At Mobile World Congress Shanghai (29 Jun. - July 1, 2016), Conexant Systems introduced their new CX20888, an Audio Stereo CODEC that is the first single-chip solution to allow USB-C-compliant active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient noise inclusion in headsets. This new USB-C solution features an integrated ARM Cortex M0+ MCU and Class-H headphone amplifier, enabling new class of features for smartphone, PC and gaming headsets. Its active noise cancellation eliminates up to 30dB of external sound, for a clearer, more enjoyable listening experience.

Texas Instruments (TI) introduced a low-power smart amplifier that allows designers to develop next-generation smartphones, tablets, portable audio docks or Bluetooth speakers with industry-leading audio quality at peak volumes while maximizing battery efficiency. The TAS2555 audio amplifier with integrated speaker protection uses back electromotive force and low power of 5.7 W to produce bigger sound from small devices.