Qualcomm Releases Next-Generation DDFA Audio Amplifier Technology

Qualcomm Technologies International made exciting audio announcements in platforms and technologies for the development of next-generation audio products during its voice and music developer conference, held recently in Shenzhen, China. At the event, the company announced its new Smart Audio Platform for smart and networked speakers. Additionally, Qualcomm introduced its next generation Qualcomm DDFA audio amplifier technology for high-resolution audio devices including wireless speakers, soundbars, networked audio and headphone amplifiers.

This article describes an improved design for a power supply dedicated to audio power amplifiers that exhibits ecological and economical qualities, ideal for audio enthusiasts. In this truly DIY project, easy to build, the author, Vincent Thiernesse, proposes a power supply dimensioned for 100 W RMS/4 or 8 Ω power amplifiers, that behaves like a resistive load with respect to the mains network. This project was originally published in audioXpress, June 2016.

This article continues the classic JFETs series of articles by Erno Borbely and introduces one of his starter kits with an all-JFET line amp. Originally published in audioXpress March 2005 this is an essential reading to understand the “building blocks” of the “Borbely amplifiers”.

The basic circuits on which Erno Borbely based most of his projects are described in “JFETs: The New Frontiers, Part I and II,” published in Audio Electronics AE 5/99 and 6/99, and “All-FET Line Amp,” published in audioXpress May 2002. As the author admits, these were the “building blocks” on which many - if not all - of his amplifiers are based. This articles continues his JFETs series and was originally published in Audio Electronics, Vol 5 1999.

The basic circuits on which Erno Borbely based most of his projects are described in “JFETs: The New Frontiers, Part I and II,” published in Audio Electronics AE 5/99 and 6/99. Referring to these articles frequently, the author admits, these were the “building blocks” on which many - if not all - of his amplifiers are based. This article is the first part, as originally published in Audio Electronics, Vol. 5 1999.

It’s hard to keep track how semiconductor companies evolve given the pace of mergers, spin-offs and acquisitions. ON Semiconductor, a relatively young player in the industry but increasingly crucial for the audio industry, announced it will acquire one of the most iconic companies, Fairchild Semiconductor, for $2.4 Billion in Cash. The acquisition creates the global leader in the power semiconductor market, they say.

Which sounds better — a tube or solid-state amp? The "Great Debate" has been going on for decades. Now it's time to put the debate to rest. In audioXpress, November 2012, Richard Honeycutt's published this article exploring how to detect audio amplifiers’s differences in sound and the need for a correct subjective evaluation process of components and systems.