The latest Axign digital audio converters and amplifier controllers (AX5688, 2-ch BTL/1-ch PBTL, and AX5689, 4-ch BTL/2-ch PBTL) are migrating into Axign Sound Processors (AX5690 and AX5691). According to the Dutch company, these new chips will be able to run the most complex programmable algorithms to better control the dynamics of loudspeakers based on real-time post-filter voltage and current feedback. These new products support a wide operating range without critical external components, to reproduce the best audio quality, while saving energy.
For output powers up to 60W in 4 Ohm BTL per channel, Axign will introduce its own (heatsinkless) two-channel power stages (AX1225 and AX1250), which are further optimized for lowest power consumption levels. Axign’s target applications are battery-powered or mains-powered active speakers (Bluetooth speakers, soundbars and subwoofers) and streaming audio amplifiers.
Power consumption reduction is one of Axign’s key focus areas. Idle losses are unwanted power losses, which produce heat or discharge the battery faster. Due to Axign’s digital control loop and its post filter feedback, idle losses can be reduced up to 15 times compared to previous modulation schemes and solutions. This enables high-power GaN and MOSFET-based audio amplifier solutions to remain cool, and that is precisely what the current AX5688 and AX5689 controllers are doing already in products available in the market.
Axign's products have been adopted by Harman's Luxury Audio division, and JBL has recently selected the AX5689 chip for the 4305P and 4329P Studio Monitors, both active and connected speakers for home audio applications. These self-contained models are fully optimized to translate high resolution audio streaming sources.
"Each amplifier channel has been optimized for its power and frequency range to reach the best possible sound quality out of the woofer and tweeter drivers, enabled by the flexibility of our AX5689 audio amplifier controller," says Richard Langezaal, Vice President Business Development at Axign.
At CES 2023, Axign demonstrated its latest AX5689 Class-D controller reference designs including a 2x 500W (2Ω BTL) solution with GaN FETs delivering class leading audio performance with less than 1.5W idle power consumption per BTL power stage channel and LC components, and 97% efficiency at 500W in 2Ω. Axign also demonstrated a 2x 250W (4Ω BTL) MOSFET solution for cost optimized applications that delivers class leading audio performance with 95% efficiency at 250W in 4Ω, and less than 1.5W idle power consumption. These reference products make full use of the company's post-filter-feedback, and novel “Zero Common Mode” switching topologies to allow for heat-sink free operation whilst achieving >110 dB-A dynamic range and <0.01% THD+N.
www.axign.nl
