TI Class-D Amplifier TPA3250 VS TPA3251 VS TPA3255 VS TPA3255-Q1

January 31, 2024

Texas Instruments offers a wide range of Class-D amplifiers that deliver high-quality sound across a range of applications, from automotive to personal electronics and professional audio systems, Texas Instruments offers a wide range of speaker amplifiers that deliver high-quality sound across a range of applications, from automotive to personal electronics and professional audio systems1. You can browse the industry’s broadest portfolio of speaker amplifiers, including Class-D, Class-D boosted, Class-AB, and smart amps, ranging from 5 W to more than 50 W of output power and a range of topologies, performance, and features1. You can find more information about these products, including their data sheets, product information, and support, on the TI website.

Dive into the world of Texas Instruments audio amplifiers with a straightforward exploration of TPA3250, TPA3255, TPA3251, and TPA3255-Q1. While keeping things simple, this overview highlights their shared Class D design, commitment to high-fidelity audio, and outlines the key differences in power, application areas, and control interfaces. Discover how these amplifiers, equipped with robust protection features, cater to distinct audio needs, be it for home entertainment, professional audio setups, or the automotive realm. Whether you're an engineer, an audiophile, or just curious, this simplified comparison provides a glimpse into the capabilities and unique features of these Texas Instruments audio amplifiers.

ti audio amplifier cpa3255

Commonalities

- Class D Design: TPA3250, TPA3255, TPA3251, and TPA3255-Q1 all adopt the Class D digital audio amplifier design. This design utilizes efficient digital switching technology to amplify audio signals, providing high power output and low power consumption.

- High-Fidelity Audio Quality: All four chips are designed to deliver high-fidelity audio output with characteristics such as low distortion and low noise, suitable for demanding audio applications.

Differences

- Power Output and Application Areas:
- TPA3250: Typically used for medium-power applications, providing moderate power output. Suitable for applications like home theater systems.
- TPA3255: Offers higher power output, suitable for applications with higher power requirements, such as professional audio systems and sound systems requiring increased volume.
- TPA3251: Similar to TPA3250, designed for medium-power applications but usually configured as a single-channel setup. Suitable for specific application scenarios.
- TPA3255-Q1: Designed for automotive audio applications, TPA3255-Q1 provides high-power output and robust performance in automotive environments.

- Configuration and Control Interfaces:
- TPA3250 and TPA3255: Typically provide rich configuration and control interfaces, supporting remote configuration through digital interfaces like I2C.
- TPA3251: Also typically provides digital interfaces for configuration but may focus more on simplified configuration requirements in certain applications.
- TPA3255-Q1: Offers flexible configuration and control options suitable for automotive audio applications.

- Protection Features:
- All four chips usually incorporate multiple layers of protection features, including over-temperature protection, short-circuit protection, etc., ensuring the safe operation of devices and speakers.

- Application Scenarios:
- TPA3250 and TPA3251: Suitable for medium-power applications, such as home audio systems.
- TPA3255: Suited for applications requiring higher power output, such as professional audio and large sound systems.
- TPA3255-Q1: Tailored for automotive audio applications, providing high-performance audio amplification with automotive-grade reliability.

The differences and similarities depend on each chip's design goals and intended application areas. If you have specific application requirements or technical specifications, it is recommended to refer to the detailed datasheets of each chip for more specific information.

Quick Comparison between TPA3250, TPA3255, TPA3251, and TPA3255-Q1

Product or Part number TPA3255-Q1 TPA3255 TPA3250 TPA3251
Description Automotive, 315-W Stereo, 600-W mono, 2-ch, 18- to 53.5-V supply, PurePath™ ultra-HD analog-input Class-D audio amplifier 315-W stereo, 600-W Mono, 18- to 53.5-V supply, PurePath™ Ultra-HD analog input Class-D audio amplifier 70-W stereo, 140-W mono, 12- to 38-V supply, PurePath™ Ultra-HD analog input Class-D audio amplifier 175-W stereo, 350-W mono, 12- to 38-V supply, PurePath™ Ultra-HD analog input Class-D audio amplifier
Details The device is operated in AD-mode, and can drive up to 2 x 315 W into 4-Ω load at 10% THD and 2 x 150 W unclipped into 8-Ω load and features a 2 VRMS analog input interface that works seamlessly with high performance DACs such as TI’s PCM5242. In addition to excellent audio performance, TPA3255-Q1 achieves both high power efficiency and very low power stage idle losses below 2.5W. This is achieved through the use of 85 mΩ MOSFETs and an optimized gate driver scheme that achieves significantly lower idle losses than typical discrete implementations. The device is operated in AD-mode, and can drive up to 2 x 315 W into 4-Ω load at 10% THD and 2 x 150 W unclipped into 8-Ω load and features a 2 VRMS analog input interface that works seamlessly with high performance DACs such as TI’s PCM5242. In addition to excellent audio performance, TPA3255 achieves both high power efficiency and very low power stage idle losses below 2.5W. This is achieved through the use of 85 mΩ MOSFETs and an optimized gate driver scheme that achieves significantly lower idle losses than typical discrete implementations. With a 32V power supply the device can drive up to 2 × 130 W peak into 4-Ω load and 2 × 70 W continuous into 8-Ω load and features a 2 VRMS analog input interface that works seamlessly with high performance DACs such as TI’s PCM5242. In addition to excellent audio performance, TPA3250 achieves both high power efficiency and very low power stage idle losses below 1 W. This is achieved through the use of 60 mΩ MOSFETs and an optimized gate driver scheme that achieves significantly lower idle losses than typical discrete implementations. The device can drive up to 2 x 175 W into 4-Ω load and 2 x 220 W into 3-Ω load and features a 2 VRMS analog input interface that works seamlessly with high performance DACs such as TI’s PCM5242. In addition to excellent audio performance, TPA3251 achieves both high power efficiency and very low power stage idle losses below 1 W. This is achieved through the use of 60 mΩ MOSFETs and an optimized gate driver scheme that achieves significantly lower idle losses than typical discrete implementations.
Audio input type Analog Input Analog Input Analog Input Analog Input
Architecture Class-D Class-D Class-D Class-D
Speaker channels (max) 4 4 4 4
Rating Automotive Catalog Catalog Catalog
Power stage supply (max) (V) 53.5 53.5 36 36
Power stage supply (min) (V) 18 18 12 12
Load (min) (Ω) 2 2 1.5 1.5
Output power (W) 315 315 130 175
SNR (dB) 112 112 110 111
THD + Nat 1 kHz (% 0.006 0.006 0.005 0.005
Iq(typ)(mA) 34 34 12.5 12.5
Control interface Hardware Hardware Hardware Hardware
Closed/open loop Closed Closed Closed Closed
Analog supply (min) (V) 9.8 10.8 10.8 10.8
Analog supply voltage (max) (V) 11.4 13.2 13.2 13.2
PSRR (dB) 65 80 60 80
Operating temperature range (°C) -40 to 105 0 to 70 0 to 70 0 to 70
Price(from TI) $6.394(qty:1000+) - $11.765(qty:1-99) $4.125(qty:1000+) - $8.217(qty:1-99) $2.351(qty:1000+) - $5.465(qty:1-99) $3.355(qty:1000+) - $7.408(qty:1-99)
PDF data sheet TPA3255-Q1 PDF data sheet TPA3255 PDF data sheet TPA3250 PDF data sheet TPA3251 PDF data sheet
HTML data sheet TPA3255-Q1 HTML data sheet TPA3255 HTML data sheet TPA3250 HTML data sheet TPA3251 HTML data sheet

How to Choose a Class-D Amplifier Chip

When constructing an audio system, selecting the appropriate Class-D amplifier chip is a crucial step to ensure good sound quality and overall system performance. Here are key factors and tips on how to choose a Class-D amplifier chip:

1. Output Power:

Determining the required peak or continuous (RMS) output power is paramount. Continuous output power levels depend on heat dissipation, so considerations include PCB thickness, enclosure size, and ventilation. Also, decide whether a heatsink is needed (pad-up) or if heat dissipation is managed through the PCB (pad-down).

2. THD + N (Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise):

THD + N is a critical parameter for assessing signal quality. Understanding the distortion level at which the specified output power is measured is crucial. Typically, output power is specified at 0.01%, 0.1%, and 1% THD+N levels.

3. Speaker Configuration:

Choose a Class-D amplifier chip that is compatible with your speaker configuration. For example, the TPA3255 SE, TPA3255 BTL, and TPA3255 PBTL are compatible with single-ended, bridge-tied load, and parallel bridge-tied load speaker configurations, respectively.

4. Efficiency:

Consider the need for high efficiency, especially for battery-powered speakers, managing heat in space-constrained applications, and meeting government regulations on standby current in always-on devices. Class-D amplifiers are more efficient than linear amplifiers, with less power dissipated as heat in the active devices.

5. Modulation:

Choose a Class-D amplifier chip that uses the appropriate modulation technique for your application. For example, AD modulation is the traditional switching technique, while BD modulation is filter-free. 1SPW modulation reduces DC offset, and hybrid modulation dynamically adjusts PWM duty cycle.

6. Design Considerations:

Consider aspects such as the input circuit, output filter, power losses in the Class-D audio amplifier, and PWM switching frequency and modulation mode selection. These considerations are critical for optimizing the performance of the Class-D amplifier within your specific application.

By comprehensively considering these factors, you can choose a Class-D amplifier chip that aligns with your audio application's requirements and constraints. This ensures a balanced approach in terms of output power, audio quality, efficiency, and other critical parameters.

Related Post: Class AB vs Class D Amplifier: What is the Difference


Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information and reference purposes only. The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the author of this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Cytech Systems or official policies of Cytech Systems.

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