Abstract
Switch-mode technology is the common choice for high-efficiency audio power amplifiers. The dynamic nature of real audio limits the achievable continuous output power thus reducing efficiency. Based on methods used for radio frequency (RF) amplifiers, this article proposes a tracking multilevel power supply (TMLPS) in order to improve system efficiency. A simple prototype is designed and tested up to 200 W. Measured results show that employing a TMLPS can improve efficiency with a factor of 6 when playing music. In addition, the temperature rise of the amplifier is vastly reduced, especially for the switching power MOSFETs where it is halved from 100 °C to 50 °C. To further improve efficiency, an optimization method is proposed. The optimization considers the amplitude distribution of music signals and consumer behaviors. Simulations show that efficiency can be further improved by a factor of 1.23 with an optimized TMLPS compared to a simple uniform TMLPS solution.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
