Amplifiers are electronic devices used to produce an increased version of an input signal. The market features various types of amplifiers. The different types of amplifiers are categorized based on their class, like class-d digital amplifiers. This post explains class-d amplifiers in-depth and other information you should know about amplifiers.
What is an amplifier class?
As mentioned before, amplifiers are usually categorized into classes. Therefore, one of the essential things you should understand about amplifiers is what amplifier classes are. In this case, it is worth mentioning that amplifiers work by converting incoming DC voltage into AC power. This is done through a transformer. The device then mixes the power and signal to generate a high-current output. Therefore, an amplifier class is a system responsible for mixing voltage and signal. The amplifier classes typically differ based on the type of amplifier being applied. Some types of amplifiers are more efficient than others, while others offer more fidelity than the latter.
The different amplifier classes
The following are some of the most popular amplifier classes in the market;
- Class A
- Class B
- Class AB
- Class C
- Class D
Class-d amplifiers have recently become quite popular. This is because they offer numerous advantages
What is a class-d amplifier?
Class-d amplifiers are analog electronic devices known for their high efficiency. These amplifiers produce DC in the form of high-frequency rhythms that are over 100kHZ. The pulses are then adjusted to the signal using pulse width modulation. Pulse width modulation works so that if the signals are loud, the vibrations get wider and vice versa.
The pulses also go through the transistors for the production of the output. One of the most identifying elements of class-d amplifiers is that they either work on their full power or completely turn off with no power. This means that there is no in-between. This is primarily because of the DC pulses delivered to them. This is the primary reason why these amplifiers are known for being 90 percent efficient.
What benefits do class-d amplifiers offer?
Class-d amplifiers are known for the numerous advantages they offer. The following are some of their primary benefits;
- One of the primary advantages of class-d amplifiers is that they deliver high-quality sound
- The amplifiers offer a wide application range, and they can be utilized in various ways
- They provide low heat power dissipation
- They offer incredible performance and give out impeccable output
- The amplifiers are ideal for mass production
- They are also incredibly energy efficient compared to other amplifier classes
What are the applications of class-d amplifiers?
The following are some of the primary applications of class-d amplifiers;
- Television and home-theatre systems
- High volume consumer electronics
- Automotive
- A wide range of portable devices
Note that class-d amplifiers are commonly applied in portable devices because they are lightweight and do not contain any heat sink arrangement. They are also widely used in high-volume consumer electronics because of the benefits listed above and their size.
Conclusion
Class-d amplifiers are considered the future of amplifiers. This is why they are now among the most commonly applied amplifiers in the current market. While the products have a few minor disadvantages, their advantages are more superior.
