Hello
Which parts do you recommend to design a 5KW class-D audio amplifier?.
I have searched the TI web and I have found too much information: audio processors, DSPs, MCUs, PurePath, power stages, PWM processors...
I think I need a DSP to sample analog audio and output a PWM to control a full-bridge, or maybe the DSP could send PCM audio to a PWM processor.
I'm used to 8051, MSP430, Piccolo, SimpliciTI, motor control... but I'm a newbie in audio.
Could the Piccolo's HRPWM be used to drive a bridge@1MHz?, or do I need a high-end DSP to get higher true resolution?
Thank you in advance
Hi, Fix-Or-Repair-Daily,
I am not aware of any uber-high power full bandwidth class-d audio amplifier reference materials from TI.
I know the Piccolo guys were looking at making a class-D sub-woofer, but I don't think they ever completed it.
-d2
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Don Dapkus
Audio Applications Engineering Manager
Dallas, TX USA
Thank you
I don't expect TI to provide power MOSFETs, I am searching for a DSP or audio processor (or whatever can be suitable for this application) capable of providing the PWM outputs to control a full-bridge (high power and high frequency).
For example, could I use a TAS5012 to control my own high-power stage?, should I use a DSP?, Piccolo, Delfino, C67x...?, fixed or floating point?, 12 bits A/D is enough with oversampling or more bits are required?, Piccolo's processing power is enough? ...
Regards
Hi Ford,
There are plenty of analog and digital audio processors (or pre-processors) within the TI product range. Your processor choice will depend on your application. Within the standard DSC (Digital Signal Controller) range, Piccolo processors may not have sufficient processing power for implementing full-audio-bandwidth (20KHz) power amplifiers. The Delfino (28335) will be a better choice. However, I understand that your project is for a subwoofer amplifier (i.e. of a limited audio bandwidth). In this case, your choice of the PWM switching frequency for the power stages will determine most of the important specifications of your design.
I have a similar project for a Class D amplifier to produce 15 KW (peak) / 7.5 KW (continuous) rms power per channel. Presently, it is somewhat on the back-burner, not because of non-availability of parts or technologies, but because I thought that there is not a very large market for amplifiers at such high powers, This mainly due to the high input power requirements, i.e. the cost of distributing and installating a high-current AC mains supply at the point of audio amplifier installation. Non-availabilty of a 3-phase AC mains power supply at most installation points may be the source of the problem. What do you think?
Regards,
Errol
Hi Errol
My customer manufactures (and sometimes also sells) audio amplifiers up to 7.7KW, but most of them are sub-3.6KW. I've seen customers who put together 6 audio amplifiers and more than 10 light dimmers, each one consuming more than 10KW.
Why do you say "Piccolo processors may not have sufficient processing power for implementing full-audio-bandwidth (20KHz) power amplifiers."?
I think you should stop your design and help me to design my new class-D audio amplifier. ;)
I am currently in the planning phase of a PWM amplifier with piccolo and at my point of calculation this chip can control multi-phase PWM and even do upsampling. The only problem I see is the HRPWM calibration during run time. I am going to clearify this with TI. My design is in the range of 100W+ per channel using TAS5352 but will scale to kWatts using UC27201 or even more using IRFs gate driver if required.
Are you still at this development?
Yes, but up to now I have had other projects underway and have not had much time to move forward with this. Soon we will get more people and hopefully go further (with the help of Texas Instruments).