DirectDrive Headphone Amplifier Saves Space While Providing High RF Noise Rejection

(Product News, 19 Nov 2009)

Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX9820, a stereo headphone amplifier designed for portable multimedia devices. This tiny IC employs Maxim's patented DirectDrive architecture to eliminate clicks and pops, as well as the large output-coupling capacitors required by conventional single-supply headphone amplifiers. The MAX9820 also suppresses RF radiation, thus preventing the amplifier from demodulating the coupled noise. This low-cost, compact solution is ideal for cell phones, portable media players, PDAs, notebooks, mobile internet devices (MIDs), and other audio applications.

The MAX9820 operates from a 2.7V to 5.5V single supply and delivers 95mW of output power (32ohms, VDD = 5V). It consumes less than 1microamp in shutdown mode and a very low 3mA during quiescent operation. The MAX9820 also integrates undervoltage lockout and protection against thermal overload and short-circuit events.