Long-lasting music playback performance, available in compact, cost-effective and power-efficient designs, is a must for battery-powered applications.
Infineon Technologies recently introduced its latest generation of MERUS multilevel Class D audio amplifiers.
Several Infineon ecosystem partners are now ready to support interested customers in their design efforts. In partnership with experts, the company aims to drive the adoption of new and innovative technologies. Infineon's Class D audio amplifiers enable high-fidelity sound reproduction with unique Class D modulation of up to five different output voltage levels.
“The ability to drive 2 x 37W at full power, while supporting inductorless outputs, low EMI and an idle power level at one-tenth that of competitive products, offers unique benefits to OEMs and ODMs,” said Dafydd Roche , director of marketing for Class-D Audio at Infineon. “These benefits include smaller form factor products and lower system costs, removing large, bulky inductors and shields, and reducing battery capacity for the same hours of playback. Our ecosystem partners complement the system solutions we can offer. With decades of audio experience, they are a unique addition to the design and product support of our generations of MERUS amplifiers, allowing customers faster time to market.”
New MERUS multilevel switching technology improves audio sound while consuming only one-tenth the idle power of traditional Class D amplifiers. Class D multilevel amplifiers only need ferrite beads instead of large inductors for the output low-pass filter circuit, significantly reducing PCB space and additional inductor cost. Two important Infineon associate partners currently developing unique audio solutions based on MERUS Class D audio amplifiers are Eleven Engineering and Volumio in the Global and EMEA business regions, respectively.
Eleven Engineering, creator of the SKAA next-generation wireless audio standard, supports customers with high-quality audio designs in key audio markets such as home theater, whole house, portable and outdoor audio.
“Infineon’s Class-D amplifier topology significantly increases the battery life of wireless-enabled SKAA products, making them more desirable to customers,” said John Sobota, CEO, director and founder of Eleven Engineering . “This benefit is quite obvious. What is less obvious is the cost impact of using Infineon amplification. When you can eliminate expensive items from the bill of materials, such as output inductors, chassis boxes and dedicated heatsinks, our joint offerings become fantastically attractive.”
Volumio has inspired audio enthusiasts with products such as Volumio Primo, Rivo or Integro, the latter awarded best Streamer\Amplifier of the year by Stereo&Video magazine. Volumio products aim to provide the best possible music experience and make it available to everyone in an integrated and convenient way.
“We chose to design our Integro integrated streaming amplifier around MERUS Class D multilevel audio technology because it offers the best synthesis of sound quality, efficiency and power,” said Michelangelo Guarise, founder and CEO of Volumio. “Our customers love that such a compact design can deliver a powerful and clear musical presentation, and this is made possible by the MERUS platform.”
