New Fractal Class-D Audio Amplifier Technology Maximizes Battery Life in TWS Earbuds

Typical Class-D amplifiers are generally tuned to give the highest efficiency when outputting large power levels but have a rather low efficiency at lower power levels. Using a new type of bridge configuration, the patented Fractal Class-D audio amplifier improves the efficiency at lower power levels while maximizing efficiency over a wide range of power levels. Available from SiliconIntervention, this technology was developed by Martin Mallinson, the company's founder and chief scientific officer.

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.

audioXpress December 2023 includes a market overview of multiroom audio, Brent Butterworth writes about new ways to measure ANC earbuds, and Stuart Yaniger measured the new Axign and GaN Systems Class-D audio amplifier board. Richard Honeycutt writes about tubes, BJTs, JFETs, MOSFETs, and ICs, and Dimitri Danyuk, discusses JFETs in audio circuits. Douglas Self explains how to optimize variable-frequency tone controls, and Jan Didden shares his eDD direct-drive amplifier project.

The April 2022 issue of audioXpress offers an overview of voice for true wireless stereo earbuds with contributed articles from Knowles and Fluent.ai. Stuart Yaniger reviews the possibilities with GaN amplifiers, and Steve Temme explains the evolution of Rub & Buzz measurements and the latest perceptual algorithms. Ethan Winer designs a sample & hold circuit for a guitar-controlled, all-analog synthesizer project, Richard Honeycutt explores the meaning of “frequency response” as applied to rooms, and Mark Driedger explains why and how to test tubes.

One of the strongest issues ever in terms of audio electronics and market insights, audioXpress July 2021 is now available. This edition includes a complete overview of Audio Amplifier Technology and Design and its many application segments. Start with a review of the NAD Electronics M33 Masters streaming amplifier, followed by a great new upgrade design for the legendary Hafler DH-220 lateral MOSFET power amplifier, and then dive into a new hybrid voltage source and current source amplifier design for loudspeakers.