Silicon Laboratories SI824XCLASSD-KIT SI8410 - Manual

Rev. 0.2 11/10 Copyright © 2010 by Silicon Laboratories Si824xClassD-KIT
S i 8 2 4 x C l a s s D - K I T
C L A S S D A U D I O A M P L I F I E R R E F E R E N C E D E S I G N U S E R ’ S G U I D E
1. Kit Contents
The Si824x Class D Audio Amplifier Reference Design Kit contains the following items:
 Audio Class D Amplifier reference design board featuring:
 Si8241 ISOdriver
 Si8410 Digital Isolator
2. Introduction
This User's Guide discusses the Silicon Labs Audio Class D amplifier reference design, a stereo, two-state, half-
bridge Class D amplifier leveraging the performance advantages of the Si8241 ISOdriver. This two-channel Class
D Audio Amplifier delivers 120 W per channel into 8
, while enabling < 0.02% THD at 60 W and > 95 dB SNR.
High-power audio systems are adopting digital audio technology and evolving toward lower-power, “green”
products that meet Energy Star™ guidelines. Class-D audio systems have started penetrating the high-end
markets where low noise, extremely good THD performance, and very high output power are required in consumer
and industrial applications. The Si824x audio driver family consists of single-chip, isolated, Class-D gate drivers
powering audio systems delivering from 30 W up to 1000 W of audio power.
Occasionally, a new IC is introduced that challenges the current technological hegemony. With features that make
these products the perfect drivers for Class D amplification, the Silicon Labs Si8241/44 Audio Gate Drivers
represent a new standard for the Class D amplifier industry. Based on Silicon Labs' proprietary isolation
technology, the Si824x audio drivers incorporate input-to-output isolation that enables level-translation of signals
without additional external circuits. The Si824x audio drivers feature adjustable dead-time control for achieving
optimal THD, overlap protection that safeguards against shoot-through current damage, robust immunity to latch-
up and high-voltage transients, and lower BOM costs and PCB footprints compared to non-isolated gate drive
solutions. A typical audio driver application using the Si824x is shown in Figure 1. For more information on the
Si824x audio driver, refer to the Si824x datasheet at
www.silabs.com/audio .
Figure 1. Si824x-Based Class D Audio Driver Block Diagram