SMART VOLTAGE RAIL REDUCTION AUDIO AMPLIFIER

摘要

An audio amplifier is provided that adjusts the supply voltage rails communicated to a power amplifier circuit according to the circuit's output. The amplifier compares the output voltage from the power amplifier to a predetermined voltage range to determine if the output voltage is or is not within a predetermined range. If so, the audio amplifier reduces the supply voltage rails for the power amplifier circuit to reduced values. When the output voltage from the power amplifier moves outside the predetermined range, the supply voltage rails return to maximum levels. Whenever the output voltage from the power amplifier is not within the predetermined range, the audio amplifier maintains the supply voltage rails at maximum levels. By reducing the supply voltage rails for the power amplifier circuit, less power is dissipated by the power amplifier circuit, thereby generating less heat in the audio amplifier.