Multi-channel power amplifier with channels independently self-configuring bridge or single-ended output, particulary for audio applications

摘要

A multi-channel power amplifier for driving a plurality of loads, each associated to a respective channel, each channel comprising a pair of operational amplifiers, first and second, one operational amplifier of each channel being connectable by configuring switches either in a bridge configuration with the other operational amplifier or in single-ended configuration to a constant reference voltage output by a dedicated voltage buffer of the multi-channel amplifier for driving the respective load of the channel, comprises a window comparator for monitoring the level of the input signal of the channel and producing a logic control signal for the configuring switches. <??>Each channel has a dedicated window comparator monitoring the level of the input signal of the channel that generates a logic signal for positioning the switches that configure the output power structure of the channel in single-ended or bridge configuration. Moreover, instead of configuring one of the operational amplifiers to function as a reference voltage buffer when switching to a single-ended configuration, a distinct voltage reference buffer is employed, to which any single-ended channel of the multi-channel amplifier is connected. <IMAGE>