MAX9700
1.2W, Low-EMI, Filterless,
Class D Audio Amplifier
power conversion of the class D amplifier. For example,
an 8mV DC offset across an 8Ω load results in 1mA extra
current consumption in a class AB device. In the class
D case, an 8mV offset into 8Ω equates to an additional
power drain of 8μW. Due to the high efficiency of the
class D amplifier, this represents an additional quiescent-
1µF
SINGLE-ENDED
AUDIO INPUT
IN+
IN-
MAX9700
current draw of 8μW/(V /100η), which is on the order of
DD
1µF
a few microamps.
Input Amplifier
Differential Input
Figure 6. Single-Ended Input
The MAX9700 features a differential input structure,
making it compatible with many CODECs, and offering
improved noise immunity over a single-ended input ampli-
fier. In devices such as cellular phones, high-frequency
signals from the RF transmitter can be picked up by the
amplifier’s input traces. The signals appear at the ampli-
fier’s inputs as common-mode noise. A differential input
amplifier amplifies the difference of the two inputs; any
signal common to both inputs is canceled.
whose dielectrics have low-voltage coefficients, such as
tantalum or aluminum electrolytic. Capacitors with high-
voltage coefficients, such as ceramics, may result in
increased distortion at low frequencies.
Other considerations when designing the input filter
include the constraints of the overall system and the
actual frequency band of interest. Although high-fidelity
audio calls for a flat gain response between 20Hz and
20kHz, portable voice-reproduction devices such as cellu-
lar phones and two-way radios need only concentrate on
the frequency range of the spoken human voice (typically
300Hz to 3.5kHz). In addition, speakers used in portable
devices typically have a poor response below 150Hz.
Taking these two factors into consideration, the input
filter may not need to be designed for a 20Hz to 20kHz
response, saving both board space and cost due to the
use of smaller capacitors.
Single-Ended Input
The MAX9700 can be configured as a single-ended input
amplifier by capacitively coupling either input to GND and
driving the other input (Figure 6).
DC-Coupled Input
The input amplifier can accept DC-coupled inputs that
are biased within the amplifier’s common-mode range
(see the Typical Operating Characteristics). DC coupling
eliminates the input-coupling capacitors, reducing compo-
nent count to potentially one external component (see the
System Diagram). However, the low-frequency rejection
of the capacitors is lost, allowing low-frequency signals to
feedthrough to the load.
Output Filter
The MAX9700 does not require an output filter. The
device passes FCC emissions standards with 100mm
of unshielded speaker cables. However, output filter-
ing can be used if a design is failing radiated emissions
due to board layout or cable length, or the circuit is near
EMI-sensitive devices. Use an LC filter when radiated
emissions are a concern, or when long leads are used to
connect the amplifier to the speaker.
Component Selection
Input Filter
An input capacitor, C , in conjunction with the input
IN
impedance of the MAX9700 forms a highpass filter that
removes the DC bias from an incoming signal. The
AC-coupling capacitor allows the amplifier to bias the sig-
nal to an optimum DC level. Assuming zero source imped-
ance, the -3dB point of the highpass filter is given by:
Supply Bypassing/Layout
Proper power-supply bypassing ensures low-distortion
operation. For optimum performance, bypass V
to
DD
GND and PV
to PGND with separate 0.1μF capacitors
DD
as close to each pin as possible. A low-impedance, high-
current power-supply connection to PV is assumed.
1
f
=
−3dB
DD
2πR C
IN IN
Additional bulk capacitance should be added as required
depending on the application and power-supply charac-
teristics. GND and PGND should be star connected to
system ground. Refer to the MAX9700 evaluation kit for
layout guidance.
Choose C
so f
is well below the lowest fre-
-3dB
IN
quency of interest. Setting f
too high affects the
-3dB
low-frequency response of the amplifier. Use capacitors
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