From Electronic Products (10/05/2009)

100-W audio amp is 20 times more efficient than Class D chips

The AS1001 audio power amplifier IC is claimed, at normal listening levels, to be 20 times more efficient than competing devices, such as Class D amplifiers — and that without compromising audio quality. The company also claims that 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 device operates from a nominal 1.5-V power supply and delivers 100-W peak power output. Applications include totally wireless speakers, home theater surround-sound speaker, and battery-powered travel speakers.

It also enables the development of smaller, cooler, mains-powered audio equipment. Housed in a 64-pin QFN package, the amplifier operates directly from a 0.8 to 1.8-V supply (compatible with, for example, alkaline primary cells and Ni-MH secondary cells). ($8 ea/1,000 — samples available now.)

The manufacturer?

Audium Semiconductor, Bristol, U.K.