A High-Efficiency Audio Power Amplifier Using a Self-Oscillating Switching Regulator

A new high-efficiency audio power amplifier has been developed. This amplifier consists of a conventional power amplifier and a self-oscillating switching power supply which is arranged to vary the power supply output voltage according to the input signal voltage. The new amplifier achieves a higher efficiency than the conventional amplifier, by making the collector voltage of the emitter-follower-transistor follow the waveform of the output signal. Applying this idea to class A amplifiers, a one-third power dissipation can be achieved compared with the conventional class A amplifier. A power MOSFET is used as a switcher. The switching frequency is from 150 kHz to 300 kHz. The new amplifier shows sufficient favorable characteristics. Switching noise is suppressed to a low noise level, which has no influence on the AM tuner or other audio equipment. By stabilizing the single-ended push-pull (SEPP) output transistors, the amplifier can reproduce high quality tone. The present idea is also applicable to dass B power amplifiers and may be suitable for PA or car audio power amplifiers.