ST releases highly integrated automotive-grade audio amplifier with both high-definition sound quality and class-G energy efficiency

     STMicroelectronics' TDA7901 automotive-grade power amplifier monolithically integrates a class-G power amplifier switch buck controller and supports high-definition audio. This unique combination of features in the market brings an excellent listening experience and high energy efficiency. In class-G amplification, the TDA7901 buck controller automatically optimizes the supply voltage of the bridge-to-load (BTL) power stage based on the audio signal level, resulting in smooth analog audio with near-class-D power efficiency at normal volume. Because the power dissipated is much lower than conventional class A/B amplifiers, the heatsink requirements are reduced. The monolithic integrated buck controller helps reduce system weight and also reduces bill of materials cost and simplifies circuit design without the need to develop voltage rail control firmware.

     The TDA7901 is suitable for many in-vehicle information (IVI) systems, such as head units, smart cockpit systems, external power amplifiers, and more. The amplifier emits a complete real-time diagnostic signal, including real-time monitoring of load current via an I2S or I2C interface, enabling ASIL-A certification for safety-related applications such as chime generators, low-speed chime systems for electric vehicles (AVAS). The amplifier chip also provides a digital impedance meter, ensuring that audio systems using the TDA7901 can meet the most demanding requirements of automotive OEMs.

      Equipped with I2S digital input and intelligent quad-bridge BTL output, TDA7901 can provide 4x 43W audio power output (saturated output voltage of 14.4V when driving 4Ω load). The amplifier processes high-definition audio with 80kHz bandwidth. A wide supply voltage of 4.5V-18.5V prevents audio interruptions during engine start-stop and other common voltage transients.