AES E-Library

A Simple Reliable Power Amplifier with Minimal Component Count

We study an audio power amplifier that has three essential active components: two power MOSFETS and one operational amplifier. Such an amplifier will be reliable because MOSFETS have good safe-operating area properties, and there are no small semiconductors that require high voltage ratings. The topology is that of an op-amp directly driving a grounded-source complementary class-B MOSFET output stage. The center-tapped power supply for such an amplifier is floating, so each channel must have a separate supply, and there must be a small ±15-volt supply for the op-amp as well. We discuss the design and study the amplifier with simulations and an experimental prototype. It achieves good performance.

Author: Vanderkooy, John
Affiliation: University of Waterloo
AES Convention:130 (May 2011) eBrief:13 Import into BibTeX
Subject:Engineering Tools and Methods

Click to purchase paper or login as an AES member. If your company or school subscribes to the E-Library then switch to the institutional version. If you are not an AES member and would like to subscribe to the E-Library then Join the AES!

This paper costs $20 for non-members and is free for AES members and E-Library subscribers.

Learn more about the AES E-Library

The Engineering Briefs at this Convention were selected on the basis of a submitted synopsis, ensuring that they are of interest to AES members, and are not overly commercial. These briefs have been reproduced from the authors' advance manuscripts, without editing, corrections, or consideration by the Review Board. The AES takes no responsibility for their contents. Paper copies are not available, but any member can freely access these briefs. Members are encouraged to provide comments that enhance their usefulness.

Start a discussion about this paper!