
M
Input Amplifier
Differential Input
The MAX9701 features a differential input structure,
making it compatible with many CODECs and offers
improved noise immunity over a single-ended input
amplifier. In devices such as cellular phones, high-fre-
quency signals from the RF transmitter can be picked
up by the amplifier’s input traces. The signals appear at
the amplifier’s inputs as common-mode noise. A differ-
ential input amplifier amplifies the difference of the two
inputs, any signal common to both inputs is canceled.
Single-Ended Input
The MAX9701 can be configured as a single-ended
input amplifier by capacitively coupling either input to
GND, and driving the other input (Figure 6).
DC-Coupled Inputs
The input amplifier can accept DC-coupled inputs that
are biased within the amplifier’s common-mode range
(see the
Typical Operating Characteristics
). DC cou-
pling eliminates the input-coupling capacitors, reduc-
ing component count to potentially two external
components (Figure 7). However, the highpass filtering
effect of the capacitors is lost, allowing low-frequency
signals to feed through to the load.
Component Selection
Input Filter
An input capacitor, C
IN
, in conjunction with the
MAX9701 input impedance (R
IN
) forms a highpass filter
that removes the DC bias from an incoming signal. The
AC-coupling capacitor allows the amplifier to automati-
cally bias the signal to an optimum DC level. Assuming
zero-source impedance, the -3dB point of the highpass
filter is given by:
Choose C
IN
so f
-3dB
is well below the lowest frequency of
interest. Use capacitors whose dielectrics have low-volt-
age coefficients, such as tantalum or aluminum electrolyt-
ic. Capacitors with high-voltage coefficients, such as
ceramics, may result in increased distortion at low fre-
quencies.
Other considerations when designing the input filter
include the constraints of the overall system and the
actual frequency band of interest. Although high-fidelity
audio calls for a flat-gain response between 20Hz and
20kHz, portable voice-reproduction devices such as
cellular phones and two-way radios need only concen-
trate on the frequency range of the spoken human voice
(typically 300Hz to 3.5kHz). In addition, speakers used
f
R C
2
π
dB
=
3
1
1.3W, Filterless, Stereo Class D Audio
Power Amplifier
14
______________________________________________________________________________________
MAX9701
0.1
μ
F
10
μ
F
2.5V TO 5.5V
0.47
μ
F
0.47
μ
F
0.47
μ
F
0.47
μ
F
SINGLE-ENDED
LEFT AUDIO INPUT
SINGLE-ENDED
RIGHT AUDIO INPUT
OUTL+
OUTL-
OUTR+
OUTR-
GAIN1
GND
PGND
SYNC
INL+
INR+
INL-
INR-
GAIN2
SHDN
V
DD
PV
DD
FFM MODE WITH f
OSC
= 1100kHz, GAIN = 6dB.
Figure 6. Single-Ended Input
MAX9701
0.1
μ
F
10
μ
F
2.5V TO 5.5V
OUTL+
OUTL-
OUTR+
OUTR-
GAIN1
GND
PGND
SYNC
INL+
INR+
INL-
INR-
GAIN2
SHDN
V
DD
PV
DD
FFM MODE WITH f
= 1100kHz, GAIN = 6dB
CODEC BIASED TO 1/2 MAX9701 COMMON-MODE VOLTAGE.
CODEC
Figure 7. DC-Coupled Inputs