Multi Carrier Modulation Audio Power Amplifier with Programmable Logic

Theis Christiansen, Toke Meyer Andersen, Arnold Knott, Gerhard Pfaffinger, Michael A. E. Andersen

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    While switch-mode audio power amplifiers allow compact implementations and high output power levels due to their high power efficiency, they are very well known for creating electromagnetic interference (EMI) with other electronic equipment. To lower the EMI of switch-mode (class D) audio power amplifiers while keeping the performance measures to excellent levels is therefore of high interest. In this paper a class D audio amplifier utilising Multi Carrier Modulation (MCM) will be analysed, and a prototype Master-Slave Multi Carrier Modulated (MS MCM) amplifier has been constructed and measured for performance and out of band spectral amplitudes. The basic principle in MCM is to use programmable logic to combine two or more Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) audio signals at different switching frequencies. In this way the out of band spectrum will be lowered compared with conventional class D amplifiers. Analytically expressions, simulations and measurements result in reduced switching frequency amplitudes using MCM techniques. It is also shown that the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) tends to be compromised compared to conventional class D amplifiers due to intermodulation products of the switching frequencies entering the audio band. Still, the MS MCM topology with two carrier signals shows a 6 dB reduction of the switching frequency amplitudes as well as THD across the audio band below 1% at 55 W output power open loop.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 37. AES International Conference
    PublisherAES
    Publication date2009
    Pages118-127
    Publication statusPublished - 2009
    Event37th International AES Conference - Hillerød, Denmark
    Duration: 28 Aug 200930 Aug 2009
    Conference number: 37
    http://www.aes.org/events/37/

    Conference

    Conference37th International AES Conference
    Number37
    Country/TerritoryDenmark
    CityHillerød
    Period28/08/200930/08/2009
    Internet address

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