Nuvoton Introduces Ultra-Low-Power, Filter-Free 3.1W Class-D Audio Amplifiers
New High Efficiency Devices Ideal for Smart Phones, Tablets, Docking Stations, Portable Media Players, LCD/LED TV, Toys

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Oct. 25, 2012 – Nuvoton Technology Corporation, a leading worldwide provider of semiconductors for consumer and computing applications, today introduced a family of new Class-D audio amplifiers designed to optimize portable consumer devices. The new Nuvoton NAU8223 and NAU8224 feature high-efficiency stereo, analog input 3.1W Class-D power amplifiers -- ideal for mobile consumer electronics such as smart phones, tablet PC, docking stations, portable audio and video players, LCD and LED TVs, and toys.

"Lowering both power and noise are essential in the fast-moving, highly competitive market for consumer and portable devices,” said Jae-Hong Oh, senior product marketing manager at Nuvoton. “Our engineers, therefore, spearheaded an intensive effort to define a new generation of Class-D amplifiers -- the NAU8223 and NAU8224 -- designed to address the market’s need for power consumption and reduced switching noise, while delivering an array of other experience-enriching features.”

The NAU8223 and NAU8224 stereo Class-D audio amplifiers set a new standard in audio amplifiers by offering an ultra-low quiescent current (2.1mA at 3.7V for two channels) for output power delivered, making the devices ideal for the portable applications where battery life represents a significant differentiating factor. The two new amplifiers’ inputs can be configured in either single-ended or differential mode. Neither the NAU8223 nor NAU8224 amplifiers need an external output filter, as each reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) through spread-spectrum-oscillator technology and slew-rate control.  Moreover, the NAU8223 and NAU8224 provides improved immunity and power supply rejection ratio, or PSRR, of > 85dB at 217Hz, making the devices ideal Class-D audio amplifiers for wireless and AM frequency band applications.

Leap Forward in Efficiency, Power

The Class D topology represents a significant leap forward in both power efficiency and noise minimization in audio devices.  Class D amplifiers generate a square wave, making the wave-form binary so that it can be amplified by switching the power devices. The power efficiencies of Class D amplifiers are two-thirds better than those of Class AB devices. 

The Class D NAU8223 and NAU8224 are capable of driving a 4Ω load with up to 3.1W output power, and feature a chip-enable pin for extremely low standby current and fast start-up time of 3.4ms. The NAU8223 has five selectable gain settings, between 0dB and 24dB, which can be controlled by a single gain pin. The NAU8224 features a highly flexible two-wire interface with gain settings from 24dB to -62dB (plus mute).

For more information on the new NAU8223 and NAU8224 Class D amplifiers, along with Nuvoton’s entire line of audio amplifiers –click here.

Availability, Pricing

Both the NAU8223 and NAU8224 are sampling now in a 20-pin QFN package. The NAU8223 is priced at $0.40, the NAU8224 at $0.50 (for quantities of 1,000 or more).

About Nuvoton Technology

Nuvoton Technology Corp. was established as a spin-out of Winbond Electronics’ Logic business group, starting operation in July, 2008 and IPO in September, 2010. Nuvoton Technology focuses on the R&D and sales in logic ICs, and leads in global market shares of speech ICs and computer related application ICs. Nuvoton owns a six-inch wafer fab, featuring in special niche process. Besides in-house IC products, the wafer fab also provides part of its capacity for foundry services. Nuvoton Technology provides high cost performance products for its customers by means of flexible technology innovation capabilities, full product solutions and excellent integration of technology synergy. Nuvoton offers superior services based on existing solid foundation and continues to realize its vision: "Be an indispensable partner to industry leaders." Nuvoton values the long-term relationship with its partners and customers; the company has established subsidiaries in the USA, China and Israel to strengthen regional customer support and global management. For more information, please visit www.nuvoton.com. 

Product Contact: 
Jae-Hong Oh
Sr. Product Marketing Manager
Nuvoton Technology Corp. America
Email: jhoh1@nuvoton.com
Tel: 408-474-1638

News Contact:
Grace Chen
Marcom
Nuvoton Technology Corporation 
Email: wjchen0@nuvoton.com 
Tel: +886-2-26588066 ext.1745

Editorial contact: 
Jerry Steach 
Common Ground Communications, for Nuvoton 
Email: jsteach@commongroundcommunications.net 
TEL:+1-415-222-9996