
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9
MAX98303
Stereo 3.1W Class D Amplifier
Detailed Description
The MAX98303 features low quiescent current, a low-
power shutdown mode, comprehensive click-and-pop
suppression, and excellent RF immunity.
The IC offers Class AB audio performance with Class D
efficiency in a minimal board-space solution.
The Class D amplifier features spread-spectrum modu-
lation, edge-rate, and overshoot control circuitry that
offers significant improvements to switch-mode amplifier
radiated emissions.
The amplifier features click-and-pop suppression that
reduces audible transients on startup and shutdown.
The amplifier includes thermal-overload and short-circuit
protection.
Class D Speaker Amplifier
The filterless Class D amplifier offers much higher effi-
ciency than Class AB amplifiers. The high efficiency of
a Class D amplifier is due to the switching operation of
the output stage transistors. Any power loss associated
with the Class D output stage is mostly due to the I2R
loss of the MOSFET on-resistance and quiescent current
overhead.
Ultra-Low-EMI Filterless Output Stage
Traditional Class D amplifiers require the use of external
LC filters, or shielding, to meet EN55022B electromagnet-
ic-interference (EMI) regulation standards. Maxim’s active
emissions limiting edge-rate control circuitry and spread-
spectrum modulation reduce EMI emissions, while main-
taining up to 93% efficiency.
Maxim’s spread-spectrum modulation mode flattens
wideband spectral components, while proprietary tech-
niques ensure that the cycle-to-cycle variation of the
switching period does not degrade audio reproduction
or efficiency. The IC’s spread-spectrum modulator ran-
domly varies the switching frequency by Q15kHz around
the center frequency (300kHz). Above 10MHz, the
wideband spectrum looks like noise for EMI purposes
(Figure 1).
Speaker Current Limit
If the output current of the speaker amplifier exceeds
the current limit (2A typ), the IC disables the outputs for
approximately 100Fs. At the end of 100Fs, the outputs
are reenabled. If the fault condition still exists, the IC
continues to disable and reenable the outputs until the
fault condition is removed.
Selectable Gain
The IC offers five programmable gains selected using
the GAIN input.
Shutdown
The IC features a low-power shutdown mode, drawing
P
0.1FA (typ) of supply current. Drive SHDN low to place
the MAX98303 into shutdown.
Click-and-Pop Suppression
The IC speaker amplifier features Maxim’s comprehen-
sive click-and-pop suppression. During startup, the
click-and-pop suppression circuitry reduces any audible
transient sources internal to the device. When entering
shutdown, the differential speaker outputs ramp down to
PGND quickly and simultaneously.
Table 1. Gain Control Configuration
Figure 1. EMI with 30cm of Speaker Cable and No Output Filter
GAIN PIN
MAXIMUM GAIN (dB)
Connect to PGND
18
Connect to PGND through
100kI
±5% resistor
15
Connect to PVDD
12
Connect to PVDD through
100kI
±5% resistor
9
Unconnected
6
90
70
50
30
10
-10
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
EMISSIONS
LEVEL
(dBV/m)
FREQUENCY (MHz)
EN55022B LIMIT
HORIZONTAL
VERTICAL