Part 3 of the "Introduction to Audio Amplifier Classes" series. Support this channel on Patreon www.patreon.com/user?u=12254451 Email: johnaudiotech@gmail.com Thank You!
Today there are class D amplifier modules available, which can outperform class AB amplifiers without problems. F.i. the 80AM2 from ICEPower is a dual channel class D audio module with 2 x 80 Wrms with a THD+N of 0.003% a TIM of 0.0035% and a S/N of 110 dB. These parameters are also hard to achieve for class AB amplifiers. These modules work with a different PWM technology. They sum the triangle signal with the audio input signal and use a zero detector to switch the pulse on and off. Very interesting.
My experience is that good Class D amps can have a lovely sound for less cost than a comparably performing class A or class AB amplifier. However, one option I considered for a speaker crossover I'm designing had an impedance up around 20 ohms at 20kHz. I discarded that option because I suspect the class D amp I want to use may not function well with such a high impedance at the top of the audio band. On the other hand, my mediocre class AB amplifiers would handle any impedance greater than about 2 ohms, regardless of the phase of that impedance.
Clive Sinclair (of ZX80/81 fame) first sold his "X-10" Class D amplifier module in 1964. They were very unreliable though, early germanium transistors, no output filter and some bad quality control issues.
I'm a fan of class D amps, they sound as good as class A if you layout the board well and use proper ground planes, you also do not need a big power supply to achieve high volume.
I think we need a video about what ever happened to Class E and F amplifiers.
Today there are class D amplifier modules available, which can outperform class AB amplifiers without problems. F.i. the 80AM2 from ICEPower is a dual channel class D audio module with 2 x 80 Wrms with a THD+N of 0.003% a TIM of 0.0035% and a S/N of 110 dB. These parameters are also hard to achieve for class AB amplifiers. These modules work with a different PWM technology. They sum the triangle signal with the audio input signal and use a zero detector to switch the pulse on and off. Very interesting.
PWM modulation, for some time now, began to be called Class-D
Class D rules in car subwoofer amps!
My experience is that good Class D amps can have a lovely sound for less cost than a comparably performing class A or class AB amplifier. However, one option I considered for a speaker crossover I'm designing had an impedance up around 20 ohms at 20kHz. I discarded that option because I suspect the class D amp I want to use may not function well with such a high impedance at the top of the audio band. On the other hand, my mediocre class AB amplifiers would handle any impedance greater than about 2 ohms, regardless of the phase of that impedance.
Seeing the sine wave output from class D amplifier , I would rather stick to class AB amplifier and lose some efficiency. 😊
Clive Sinclair (of ZX80/81 fame) first sold his "X-10" Class D amplifier module in 1964. They were very unreliable though, early germanium transistors, no output filter and some bad quality control issues.
You failed to mention its processor module, which has been evolving.
Dear John thanks for your videos you are really great ❤
I'm a fan of class D amps, they sound as good as class A if you layout the board well and use proper ground planes, you also do not need a big power supply to achieve high volume.
Very nice informative video about class d .hopefully we see a practical circuit on your working bench soon
Good summary of Class D, will Share!
Thanks John - great video series!
I was just learning about class h so the next video will be really useful for me Thanks for all the information you put in these videos.
Your instruction vids are great. I really enjoyed your long tailed pair / differential pair one a while back
Amazingly well explained.
Nice
You can't put it better than that !...cheers.
Another great educational video!!
Clear explanation. Thank you very much.