Stereo 3.7W Class D Audio Amplifier - MAX98306

This incredibly small stereo amplifier is surprisingly powerful - able to deliver 2 x 3.7W channels into 3 ohm impedance speakers. Inside the miniature chip is a class D controller, able to run from 2.7V-5.5VDC. Since the amp is a class D, its incredibly efficient (over 90% efficient when driving an 8Ω speaker at over a Watt) - making it perfect for portable and battery-powered projects. It has built-in thermal and over-current protection, but we could barely tell it got hot. This board is a welcome upgrade to basic "LM386" amps! The amplifier inputs go through 1.0uF capacitors, so they are fully 'differential' - if you don't have differential outputs, simply tie the R- and L- to the ground. The outputs are "Bridge Tied" - which means they connect directly to the outputs, with no connection to the ground. The output is a 360KHz square wave PWM that is then 'averaged out' by the speaker coil - the high frequencies are not heard. All the above means that you can't connect the output to another amplifier, it should drive the speakers directly. Comes with a fully assembled and tested breakout board with 1.0uF input capacitors. We also include a header to plug it into a breadboard, pre-soldered 3.5mm screw-terminal blocks so you can easily attach/detach your speakers, a pre-soldered 2x4 header, and a jumper to change the amplifier gain on the fly. You will be ready to rock in 15 minutes! Speakers are not included; use any 3ohm or greater impedance speakers.

* Output Power: 3.7W at 3Ω, 10% THD, 1.7W at 8Ω, 10% THD, with 5V Supply

* Passes EMI limit unfiltered with up to 12 inches (30 cm) of speaker cable

* High 83dB PSRR at 217Hz

* Spread-Spectrum Modulation and Active Emissions Limiting

* Five pin-selectable gains: 6 dB, 9 dB, 12 dB, 15 dB and 18 dB. Select with a jumper or by setting the G and G' breakout pins (see schematic for breakout board showing gain pin settings for details)

* Excellent click-and-pop suppression

* Thermal and short-circuit/over-current protection

* Low current draw: 2mA quiescent and 10uA in shutdown mode

Revision History:

* As of July 12, 2024 - This board now comes with the terminal blocks and 2 x 4 header pre-soldered.

* As of December 5, 2022 – we've updated this PCB with Adafruit Pinguin to make a lovely and legible silkscreen - you may get the new PCB or the older version with vector fonts - both are identical other than the fancy silkscreen.

Specifications

* Dimensions: 28.1mm x 24.0mm x 10.4mm

* Weight: 4.6g

Resources

* Tutorial and Downloads