Maxim claims MAX98396 is industry’s lowest noise, Class D/G amplifier
The MAX98396 Class D/G speaker amplifier is claimed to have the industry’s lowest noise and lowest quiescent power consumption, which is nearly five times lower power than similar amplifiers. The 20V digital input audio power amplifier offers 12.7mW of quiescent power at 2V power Vdd (PVDD) to meet and exceed the industry’s power compliance regulations, for the always-on feature in portable Bluetooth and smart speakers. The MAX98396’s low 15.5uVrms noise floor is 50 per cent lower than the closest competitor, claims the company and allows speaker placement in near-silent locations.
Kevin Ko, business manager of Mobile Audio Solutions at Maxim Integrated, said the high-resolution audio-compatible speaker amplifier features ultra-low noise performance, making it well-suited for placement besides the bed and the ultrasound-ready features enable the newest trend of contactless smart speakers.
The MAX98396 has been added to Maxim Integrated’s portfolio of Class D/G amplifiers, offering low power, low noise and high thermal efficiency demanded by battery powered Bluetooth and always-on smart speakers. The power efficiency allows the speaker to be driven higher and longer before reaching the thermal limit. The MAX98396 is ultrasound -ready with 45kHz of bandwidth and a dedicated data path. There is also artificial intelligence (AI) software and ultrasound to enable touchless gesture sensing, presence detection and proximity sensing.
The MAX98396 offers an upgraded sampling frequency of up to 192kHz and an ultrasound signal bypass path to prevent ultrasound signal attenuation by the audio processing.
The MAX98396 is available now and the company also offers the MAX98396EVSYS evaluation system.
Maxim Integrated offers a broad portfolio of high-performance semiconductors, tools and support, delivers essential analogue solutions including efficient power, precision measurement, reliable connectivity and robust protection along with intelligent processing. Designers in automotive, communications, consumer, data centre, healthcare, industrial and the IoT are customers.
