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Here comes audio power amplifier for commercial vehicles

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Supriya Rai
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BANGALORE, INDIA: STMicroelectronics has introduced an audio power amplifier for commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses and agricultural vehicles, whose electrical systems run at 24 V rather than the 12 V used in cars. It is the world's first audio amplifier that can drive the cabin loudspeakers directly, without any external components.

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"Millions of drivers of trucks and other heavy vehicles often have to drive long distances with no one else in the cab for company. High-quality audio can help them stay relaxed and focused, but up till now they have usually had to settle for less than the best. Leveraging our worldwide leadership in automotive audio power amplifiers, we have developed a unique product that will allow them to enjoy the same superb audio experience that people expect in the latest cars," said Luca Celant, Audio & Power Marketing Director, Automotive Product Group, STMicroelectronics.

Audio amplifiers used in automotive systems must be designed to withstand the demanding automotive environment, including a high level of electrical noise and the need to provide comprehensive protection against potential hazards such as short circuits, load dumps, and excessive chip temperature.

Till now audio equipment manufacturers have been unable to replicate this performance in 24V systems without using external components that not only drive up the Bill of Materials (BOM) cost, but can even compromise safety under certain conditions.

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The TDA7576B 24V audio amplifier is built in a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing technology called BCD5 that allows a single chip to include both the power blocks and the signal management blocks. The company claims that, it can sustain a peak supply voltage of 60 V without any damage.

The TDA7576B audio amplifier expands the company's portfolio of products for 24V vehicles that includes recently announced chips for exterior and interior lighting. The TDA7576B features 24V battery operation, high output power, minimized external components, power saving standby function, diagnostic output pin for generating alerts in case of short circuits or excessive temperature.

It also features output DC offset detection and protection against 60V load dump, excessive chip temperature, electrostatic discharge and output short circuit.

The TDA7576B is available in Multiwatt15 package at $4 in quantities of 1,000 units.

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