NAU8214 – New High Efficiency Device Ideal for Bar Code Scanners, Tablets, Docking Stations, Rugged Handheld Computers, Industrial Device with Integrated Walkie-Talkie

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Jan. 28, 2015 – Nuvoton Technology Corporation, a leading worldwide provider of semiconductors for consumer and computing applications, today introduced the NAU8214, a family of new Class-D audio amplifiers designed to optimize portable consumer devices. The new Nuvoton NAU8214 features high-efficiency mono, analog-input 2.9W Class-D power amplifier with built in speaker protection – ideal for industrial rugged handheld computers, with integrated walkie-Talkie and mobile consumer electronics such as smart phones, tablet PC, docking stations, portable audio and video players, GPS/Navigators, 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 Farid Noory, senior product marketing manager at Nuvoton. “Our engineers, therefore, spearheaded an intensive effort to define a new generation of Class-D amplifiers – the NAU8214 – designed to address the market’s need for power consumption and reduced switching noise, while delivering an array of other experience-enriching features.”

The NAU8214 mono Class-D audio amplifier sets a new standard in audio amplifiers by offering a unique VCC independent power limiting feature, unlike any other power limiting class-D devices in the market which have a supply voltage dependency, especially when the limit goes up with the supply.

NAU8214 solves customers’ problems in silicon, specifically for those who are troubled with return of damaged products. Moreover, NAU8214 can satisfy requirements such like sourcing speakers from different suppliers to deal with various tolerances, aiming at optimal loudness in audio output and yet simultaneously taking the durability (of speakers) into consideration, and even for customers who use 4 Ohm and 8Ohm speakers with power limits of 1,2 & 3W. This new amplifier’s inputs can be configured in either single-ended or differential mode.

Max Power Limiting feature

The NAU8214 has a unique feature that limits the Maximum output power delivered to the load.  This Max power limit is set by using external resistor connected to the dedicated pin PLMT. Once the threshold is set, the NAU8214 will not allow the voltage output more than the set value irrespective of the input supply voltage variations. Because of this output voltage control, the NAU8214 is able to achieve power limit function for any given load.

Superior EMI Performance, Filter-free

The NAU8214 amplifier does not need an external output filter, as each reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) through spread-spectrum-oscillator technology and slew-rate control.  Moreover, the NAU8214 provides improved immunity and power supply rejection ratio, or PSRR, of > 90dB 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 NAU8214 is capable of driving a 4Ω load with up to 2.9W output power, and features a chip-enable pin for extremely low standby current and fast start-up time of 4ms. 

For more information on the new NAU8214 Class D amplifier, along with Nuvoton’s entire line of audio amplifiers, go to Audio Amplifiers.

Availability, Pricing

The NAU8214 is available now in SOP8 and QFN20 packages and priced at $0.60.

About Nuvoton Technology

Nuvoton Technology Corporation (NTC) was founded to bring innovative semiconductor solutions to the market. NTC was spun-off as a Winbond Electronics affiliate in July 2008 and became public in September 2010 on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE). Nuvoton Technology focuses on development of analog/mixed signal, microcontroller, cloud and computing products and has strong market share in Industrial, Consumer and Computer markets. Nuvoton owns a fab, featuring customized processes for analog, power and MCU products. Besides in-house IC products, the wafer fab also provides part of its capacity for foundry services. Nuvoton Technology provides products with a high performance/cost ratio for its customers by leveraging flexible technology, advanced design capability and integration of digital and analog technologies. Nuvoton offers superior service and continues to realize its vision: “Joy of Innovation”. Nuvoton values long term relationships with its partners and customers and is dedicated to continuous innovation of its products, processes and services. 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.

*Note: Nuvoton is a registered trademark of Nuvoton Technology Corp.  All other trademarks and copyrights mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Product Contact:
Farid Noory
Sr. Product Marketing Manager
Nuvoton Technology Corp. America
Email: FNoory@nuvoton.com
Tel: +1-408-544-1743

News Contact:
Grace Chen
Nuvoton Technology Corporation
Email: wjchen0@nuvoton.com
Tel: +886-2-26588066 ext.31745