New Industry Products

Full-integrated Mono Class-D Audio Amplifier

August 24, 2014 by Jeff Shepard

Texas Instruments, Inc. (TI) today introduced the industry's first automotive Class-D audio amplifier to integrate load-dump protection and diagnostics in a single device for emergency call (eCall) and instrument cluster systems. Designers can eliminate multiple discrete components, simplify automotive-grade diagnostic design and extend battery back-up power with the mono-channel, analog differential input TAS5421-Q1.

Demand for eCall systems in cars is increasing. In case of a crash, the eCall system automatically communicates and broadcasts its location to the nearest emergency center, which can cut response time to save lives. eCall systems need to run reliably and autonomously for long periods of time using only backup battery power. System designers can take advantage of the TAS5421-Q1's 90 percent efficiency and low quiescent current to make this possible.

Key features and benefits of the TAS5421-Q1 include: Highest level of integration: Integrates 40-V load dump and over-temperature to protect against harsh automotive conditions, such as load dump, that can damage the Class-D amplifier. High efficiency and low quiescent current: Eliminates the need to use additional battery cells, cutting overall system cost, space and weight compared to discrete solutions. Integrated I2C diagnostics: Replaces discrete solutions with full automotive-grade diagnostics to reduce cost and development time, ensure reliability and decrease system complexity.

Customers can accelerate the design of their eCall systems by taking advantage of a complete automotive eCall reference design comprised of analog AEC-Q100-qualified integrated circuits from TI. This design in the TI Designs reference design library includes the full bill-of-materials, schematics, test data and design files for quick design of an eCall system.

The TAS5421-Q1 is available in a 16-pin HTSSOP package with PowerPAD package. Suggested retail pricing in 1,000-unit quantities starts at US$1.74.