Audium Launches AS1001, Audio Power Amplifier IC that 20 X More Efficient than Class D Amplifiers Without Compromising Audio Quality

The AS1001 operates from a nominal 1.5V power supply and delivers 100W peak power output. The amplifier is so efficient that battery-powered amplified loudspeakers can run for up to 10 months on a set of four ‘C’ batteries, playing for three hours per day, vastly reducing CO2 from power generation and pollution from battery production. The amplifier also enables the development of smaller, cooler, mains-powered audio equipment, with fewer heat sinks. Applications include totally wireless speakers, home theatre surround sound speakers and battery-powered travel speakers. Future Audium ICs will support MP3 docking stations and USB powered speakers. The AS1001 architecture uses patented techniques to minimise both fixed power losses and output-dependant variable power losses. The modulation scheme uses low switching rates to minimise switching losses. Power rail switching means that the amplifier operates efficiently from a low voltage rail most of the time, with a DC-DC boost converter driving higher voltage transistors on extreme audio peaks…

Audium AS1001
(Picture: Audium)

Press Release:

Audium 100W audio amplifiers are 20X more efficient than Class D chips

World’s most efficient high power audio chip enables battery-powered amplified speakers to run 3 hours per day for 10 months on a set of 1.5V batteries

Audium Semiconductor has launched an audio power amplifier IC which, at normal listening levels, is 20 times more efficient than competing devices, such as Class D[2] amplifiers, without compromising audio quality. The AS1001 operates from a nominal 1.5V power supply and delivers 100W peak power output. The amplifier is so efficient that battery-powered amplified loudspeakers can run for up to 10 months on a set of four ‘C’ batteries, playing for three hours per day, vastly reducing CO2 from power generation and pollution from battery production.

The amplifier also enables the development of smaller, cooler, mains-powered audio equipment, with fewer heat sinks. Applications include totally wireless speakers, home theatre surround sound speakers and battery-powered travel speakers. Future Audium ICs will support MP3 docking stations and USB powered speakers.

The AS1001 architecture uses patented techniques to minimise both fixed power losses and output-dependant variable power losses. The modulation scheme uses low switching rates to minimise switching losses. Power rail switching means that the amplifier operates efficiently from a low voltage rail most of the time, with a DC-DC boost converter driving higher voltage transistors on extreme audio peaks.

“Traditionally, audio amplifiers have only reached quoted efficiency figures at maximum output, which is like building a city-car that’s only efficient at 200mph and anything but efficient at 30,” said Huw Davies, CCO at Audium. “The AS1001 marks a huge leap forward in efficiency and has come from examining how equipment is really used rather than striving for a marketable arbitrary figure.”

“Over 700 million consumer audio devices are sold each year, so the real world efficiency of these has a huge impact on the amount of energy we consume,” commented Malcolm Penn, CEO Future Horizon’s analyst house. “Looking beyond the environmental implications, the technology behind the AS1001 will enable a whole new class of low power consumer products.”

Targeting battery powered applications; the AS1001 is a single 64QFN package and operates directly from a 0.8V – 1.8V supply (compatible with, for example, alkaline primary cells and Ni-MH secondary cells). Samples are available now, priced from $8 each in 1000+ quantities.

About Audium
Audium designs, develops and markets audio power amplifier integrated circuits that are 20 times more power efficient than competing technologies at normal listening levels.

Utilizing our devices in consumer audio applications reduces power consumption, extends battery life, enables smaller form factors, cuts cost-of-ownership, reduces waste, and contributes towards a more sustainable environment; all without compromising system performance.

From home theatre systems to companion speakers for PCs, our technology is revolutionising the design of consumer audio systems.

More information about Audio Power Amplifier IC can be found at Audium Website

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