June 27, 2014, Seoul – STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor company contributing to customers across a wide range of electronic applications, announced the launch of the FDA2100LV, a full digital architecture automotive power amplifier chip (IC) featuring digital input methods and a powerful diagnostic processor. This new product minimizes noise issues and reduces component costs by up to 50%, delivering the benefits of high-efficiency Class D amplifiers for automotive head units and sound boosters.

ST’s FDA2100LV’s full digital amplifier architecture features not only built-in low-radiation capabilities but also a floating digital core, anti-cross conduction, and slope control. This design minimizes tuner interference and enhances product immunity compared to conventional products, making it easier to meet EN55025, ISO11452-2 (2004), and other exhaust gas standards. Additionally, ST’s patented unique feedback-loop design around the output filter optimizes system performance by minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and harmonic distortion (THD), and improving frequency response. Therefore, excellent audio performance can be achieved with minimal use of external components, and various speaker impedances such as 8Ω, 4Ω, 2Ω, and 1Ω can be driven with the same design without changing the external output filter.

The FDA2100LV is a new addition to ST’s full digital amplifier family, which includes the 4x50W FDA450LV and 4x135W FDA4100LV, both of which are well-received by many drivers worldwide. It offers design flexibility, including 2-, 4-, and 6-channel output combinations, and the ability to integrate output impedances as low as 1Ω into a single high-power channel. As the industry’s first digital input automotive Class D family of amplifiers, these products can be connected to digital audio processors without external noise interference, without the need for separate digital-to-analog (DAC) converters or input filters.

Other features include full digital I2C control and stable advanced digital diagnostics, an excellent 110dB SNR and 108dB dynamic range, a proprietary step-up driver integrated into the FDA2100LV and FDA4100LV, rugged Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) technology, and IC-embedded fault protection. Stop-start compatibility ensures optimal sound without distortion or interference even when battery voltage drops during engine cranking, making it suitable for all types of conventional, hybrid, and plug-in electric vehicles.