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Ask an Expert Forum Help selecting an amplifier IC
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Help selecting an amplifier IC

jimmy5893
jimmy5893 over 5 years ago

I am working on a project with 2 other classmates of mine. We are using the analog devices ADAU1701 DSP to process audio from a device using a 3.5 mm jack. We are not using the development board, so we need to find an amplifier IC. I am looking for an IC that can provide enough power for most headphones. I have seen all sorts of numbers floating around so I am confused about what would be appropriate. The supply voltage to the IC is 8V DC max. It also can't be too hard to solder on to a PCB. I could use some help.

 

I initially was looking at TI for chips and I noticed that a lot of their "hi-fi" chips only output 0.1w or less at 16 or 32 ohms. This confused me because I have a dedicated amp (liquid spark) for my planar magnetic headphones which is a Fostex T60rp (modded), and it outputs 1.3W at 50 ohms. Some other forums said that 1 to 2 milliwatts are enough because most headphones have a sensitivity of 90-115 dB/mW. 

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  • jw0752
    jw0752 over 5 years ago +4
    Hi Jimmy, I recently ordered in a couple of these and found them to work pretty good: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LM386-MINI-Mono-Amplifier-Module-3V-12V-US-Seller-Fast-Shipping/111745624072?ssPageName=STRK…
  • shabaz
    shabaz over 5 years ago +4
    Hi Jimmy, A few milliwatts or low tens of milliwatts is sufficient for typical headphones or earphones. Mobile phones only output a few tens of mW to the headphone socket, and that's good enough for typical…
  • jimmy5893
    jimmy5893 over 5 years ago in reply to jw0752 +2
    Thank you, I will look into it. From the data sheet of the LM386, it can provide 325mW at 6V. So is an amplifier chip that has between 100mW and 500mW adequate for most headphones? One other thing is that…
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  • hugohu
    hugohu over 5 years ago

    It can't be too hard to solder on a PCB

     

    I'd recommend one of the chips from Maxim Integrated, MAX9716/9717, they can drive a mono speaker 1.4W at 4 ohms and 1W at 8 ohms.

     

    They also feature headphone sensing.

     

    It also comes in a 3x3mm uMax package.

     

    Only managed to solder one on a breakout board.

     

    The input for it is 2V-5.5V I think, which isn't that bad.

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  • jimmy5893
    jimmy5893 over 5 years ago in reply to hugohu

    I haven't heard of maxim integrated so this is good, as I can look at another company now. Is there a stereo chip you can recommend?

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  • jimmy5893
    jimmy5893 over 5 years ago in reply to hugohu

    I haven't heard of maxim integrated so this is good, as I can look at another company now. Is there a stereo chip you can recommend?

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  • hugohu
    hugohu over 5 years ago in reply to jimmy5893

    Surprised most people haven’t heard of maxim integrated, it’s ok if you haven’t though.

     

    Audio chips from them are pretty good.

     

    another to consider is STM or Analog devices.


    So you want a chip that can drive 2 speakers stereo?

    I’ll look into it, no promises though since my roadtest is freaking me out, but I’ll definitely try.


    I’ll also look for low input voltage, high wattage, SOIC or better, thru hole.

    Alright.

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  • jimmy5893
    jimmy5893 over 5 years ago in reply to hugohu

    Actually not for speakers. We looking to drive most headphones, including the HD600 from Sennheiser (because it is 300 ohms and popular). It wouldn't hurt if it could drive low powered speakers for demonstration purposes though.

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  • hugohu
    hugohu over 5 years ago in reply to jimmy5893

    Class H then, I guess.

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