A 12V amplifier IC is a significant electronic component in audio amplifiers that operates with a 12V power supply. So this IC is used by audio enthusiasts & electronics designers more frequently to design different applications. These ICs are mainly used to amplify weak audio signals & deliver them to headphones or speakers with better power and reliability. A 12V amplifier IC is well known for its efficiency, outstanding performance & audio quality. Thus, the best examples of 12V amplifier ICs are; TDA7294, TDA2030, TDA2050, LM3886, TPA3116, TDA7377, LM386, STA540 & PAM8403. This article explores one of the 12V amplifiers IC like; PAM8403 IC which helps enhance the audio experience & also gets exceptional sound performance for hobbyists, a DIY enthusiast, or an audio engineer.
What is PAM8403 IC?
The PAM8403 is a power amplifier board that generates 6 watts output. Generally, major amplifier system requires short circuit protection, so PAM8403 IC has an inbuilt short circuit protection that is necessary for trouble-free processes. So this IC does not need any heat sink, thus it will be an ideal choice for mainly custom speaker projects to drive 4Ω (or) 8Ω speakers. So it is compulsory to utilize a suitable speaker with no> 3W output rating.
The input section in this stereo amplifier board includes two input L & R terminals including a common GND in between them. So here any audio input can be used that requires to be amplified to generate 3W + 3W audio output. This module offers 24 dB maximum gain with 10% THD at 5Volts DC input & 4 Ohms load output. So it does not need any heat sink which can also save extra board space. Another significant feature of this IC is, it can also provide thermal protection Irrespective of the heat sink.
Working
The PAM8403 amplifier IC works by enhancing the voltage, current, or signal power. So this IC includes circuitry to detect low voltage supply. Whenever the voltage supply reduces to 2.0V (or) below, then these IC outputs are stopped & the device comes out of this condition and begins to usual function whenever VDD is ≥ 2.2V.
This PAM8403 IC works through two internal amplifier stages to generate an output signal that is a replica of the input signal with a higher magnitude. The first amplifier’s output is the input to the next amplifier, so it generates signals that are the same in magnitude although vary in phase through 180°.
PAM8403 IC has a filterless architecture which helps in directly driving a speaker exclusive of low-pass o/p filters to save space and cost. The output state of this IC is controlled by the MUTE pin so the logic low state on this pin stops the outputs whereas logic high allows them. This IC uses a shielded wire mainly for the input audio and best performance. So it uses a filtered power supply by good filter capacitors and ensures the power supply never goes beyond 5.5V.
PAM8403 IC Pin Configuration:
The pin configuration of PAM8403 IC is shown below. This IC includes different pins which are explained below.
PAM8403 IC Pin Configuration
- Pin (L): It is an audio jack left channel input.
- Pin (GND): It is a GND channel input of an audio jack.
- Pin (R): This terminal is the right channel input of the jack.
- Pin 5v (+): It is a VDD pin or 5v DC power pin.
- Pin 5v (-): It is a 5v DC power ground.
- Pin L (+): This terminal is a +ve output of the left channel.
- Pin L (-): It is a negative output of the left channel.
- Pin R (+): It is a positive o/p of the right channel.
- Pin R (-): It is a negative o/p of the right channel.
Features & Specifications:
The features and specifications of PAM8403 IC include the following,
- PAM8403 IC is a stereo amplifier IC.
- It provides 3Wats o/pt at 10% THD by a 4Ω Load & 5V power supply.
- It has short circuit protection and thermal shutdown.
- This IC has superior low noise.
- Its efficiency is up to 90%.
- It has a Pb-Free package.
- It uses fewer external components, thus saving the cost and space.
- Its operating voltage ranges from 2.5 volts to 5.5V DC.
- This IC has dual-channel stereo through high output power.
- Its maximum Gain is 24 dB.
- It has a filter-less architecture that permits the device to directly drive the speaker.
- Low EMI & low quiescent current.
- Its operating temperature ranges from -40 to +85°C.
- This IC has 2.1L x 1.8W x 3H dimensions.
- It supports 4 Ohms & 8 Ohms speakers.
- It has mute & enable pins.
- This IC has a 150 Hz to 20 KHz frequency response.
Equivalents & Other Amplifier ICs
Equivalent PAM8403 ICs are; TDA7265 and PAM8406 and other audio amplifier ICs are: LM380, LM386, LM4871, LM1875 and TDA2030.
Digital Audio Amplifier Circuit with PAM8403 IC
The PAM8403 module includes a dual-channel stereo output which is used to drive two 3Watts speakers. This IC is the most powerful and low-cost stereo amplifier which is utilized in different small to medium-scale projects.
This module is available with simple interfacing terminals to give all connections. It utilizes PAM8403 resistors and capacitors within the circuitry. This module has power terminals, input audio terminals, and output audio terminals which are discussed below.
The power terminals like VCC and GND are used to provide power supply to the module. Here, VCC is capable of 2.5 volts to 5 volts input.
This module is a stereo amplifier thus it includes double channel Input which is right and Left with a very common audio ground.
The output audio terminals are; OUT R and OUT L. So OUT R is the right channel o/p terminal is capable of delivering a maximum of 3 watts power at 4ohm (or) 8ohm. The OUT L is the Left channel o/p terminal with a similar output power to the right channel.
Components
The required components to make this circuit mainly include; a 5v power adaptor source, PAM8403 audio amplifier module, 2*3watt speakers (4 ohm), and an audio plug or 3.5mm jack. Connect this circuit as per the diagram shown below.
Based on the delivered output power specification by the module, here we have two 3w, 4ohm speakers connected at the output side. So the power supply is provided by the 5volts Adaptor.
Here the input is provided with an Aux Cable using a smartphone audio Jack. So the input cable should be stereo-compatible by a Tip Ring Sleeve jack where the TRS indicates the three conductors Tip, Ring & Sleeve, which divide the audio plug mainly into 3 sections. So the Tip performs as the left channel to send one signal whereas the Ring performs as the right channel to send another signal. Thus, the Sleeve is attached to the GND.
Connections:
The connections of this module follow as;
- Connect two power terminals to a 5-volt adaptor. So +Ve is connected to 5volts and the GND terminal is connected to GND.
- Connect the three terminals of the TRS Input jack; L, R, and GND to the module’s audio input.
- Connect two Speakers at L and R o/p terminals.
Digital Audio Amplifier Circuit with PAM8403 Amplifier IC
Working
Once connections are made, verify all the connections, so none of the wiring must be short-circuited. Turn on the power on the Adaptor (or) power supply source. Fix the audio jack to an audio input source like an MP3 player or Smartphone. So finally start playing any song & increase your audio source volume. Now you can hear the majestic sound coming from the audio amplifier.
Advantages & Disadvantages
The advantages of PAM8403 IC include the following.
- PAM8403 is a versatile IC.
- These ICs are compatible with automotive audio applications because of their compatibility with the typical 12Volts car battery voltage.
- These are efficient and thus used in portable devices.
- It eliminates the requirement of complex voltage regulators (or) extra power conversion periods.
- These are compact and energy-efficient.
- These are more affordable for consumers and manufacturers.
- This amplifier IC provides outstanding audio quality and also different features.
The disadvantages of PAM8403 IC include the following.
- PAM8403 stereo amplifier IC has a poor low-end response.
- This amplifier was designed only for a small speaker with small drivers.
- If this IC was cranked up through a lot of bass, then it would clip & sound horrible.
Applications
The applications of PAM8403 IC include the following.
- PAM8403 IC is used in portable audio devices like; MP3 players, headphones & Bluetooth speakers.
- This IC is used in portable speakers, DIY audio projects, and audio-related devices.
- These ICs are used in TV projectors, LCD monitors, notebook computers, speaker phones, cellular phones, game machines, portable DVD players, and portable speakers.
- This IC is used in custom amplifier-based projects.
Please refer to this link for the PAM8403 IC Datasheet.
Thus, this is an overview of PAM8403 IC, pinout, features, specifications, circuit, working, advantages, disadvantages, and applications. So it is a compact and simple-to-use audio amplifier board that provides high fidelity and clear audio output. This audio amplifier IC can be worked with simple 5V input & drives two 3W + 3W stereo speakers. Therefore, it is the perfect choice to use within a small board space and provides low THD+N, by allowing it to get high-quality based sound. Here is a question for you, what is PAM8406 IC?