MAX9820 DirectDrive? headphone amplifier saves space while providing high RF noise rejection

Maxim's latest stereo amplifier suppresses RF radiation and prevents the amplifier from demodulating the coupled noise.

Tiny, space-saving DirectDrive headphone amp rejects RF noise.

SUNNYVALE, CA—November 18, 2009—Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX9820, a stereo headphone amplifier designed for portable multimedia devices. This tiny IC employs Maxim's patented DirectDrive architecture* to eliminate clicks and pops, as well as the large output-coupling capacitors required by conventional single-supply headphone amplifiers. The MAX9820 also suppresses RF radiation, thus preventing the amplifier from demodulating the coupled noise. This low-cost, compact solution is ideal for cell phones, portable media players, PDAs, notebooks, mobile internet devices (MIDs), and other audio applications.

The MAX9820 operates from a 2.7V to 5.5V single supply and delivers 95mW of output power (32Ω, VDD = 5V). It consumes less than 1μA in shutdown mode and a very low 3mA during quiescent operation. The MAX9820 also integrates undervoltage lockout and protection against thermal overload and short-circuit events.

Offered in a space-saving, 3mm x 3mm x 0.8mm, 10-pin TDFN package, the MAX9820 is fully specified for operation over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range. Prices start at $0.44 (1000-up, FOB USA). An evaluation kit is available to speed designs.

Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance semiconductor products. The Company was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To date, it has developed over 6100 products serving the industrial, communications, consumer, and computing markets.