The TS4621 stereo headphone amplifier IC from STMicroelectronics is designed to achieve significantly higher efficiency than previous-generation devices, enabling listeners to enjoy high-quality sound for longer periods between battery charges. It delivers the high audio performance of a traditional analog amplifier yet saves power by operating from a low supply voltage for most audio signal levels.

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While connected to two supplies, power is drawn from the higher-voltage rail for only those brief periods when peak audio power levels are required. By using this principle, known as class G, the TS4621 is among the first such headphone amplifiers targeting portable applications, STMicroelectronics says.

According to the company, the TS4621 simplifies system design with features including an industry-standard I2C interface  enabling digital volume control from –60 dB to 4 dB and integrated switch-on/switch-off circuitry that eliminates pop and click noise. With its ultra-small 1.65- by 1.65-mm chip-scale package, it can be positioned very close to the headphone connector for optimum audio performance.

The TS4621 boasts quiescent current consumption that’s four times lower than the TS4601 as well as a class AB amplifier. It also offers 0.006% total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) at 1 kHz, 100-dB power-supply rejection ratio (PSRR) at 217 Hz (high immunity to GSM signaling noise), 100-dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at 0-dB gain, 0.6-mA/channel quiescent current, and 2.1-mA/channel active current at 100-µW audio output.

The STMicroelectronics TS4621 achieves significantly higher efficiency than previous-generation devices, enabling listeners to enjoy high-quality sound for longer periods between battery charges.

Sampling to lead customers now, the TS4621 will be available for production orders in April for $0.95 in orders of more than 1000 units.

STMicroelectronics