- High-quality in-car entertainment solutions suitable for energy-efficient vehicles
- NXP, Industry's First to Mass Produce Both Class AB and Class D Supporting 6V Requirements

October 21, 2011, Seoul – NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI) announced the TDF8530 and TDF8546, innovative automotive audio amplifiers that support an energy-saving start-stop system (a vehicle system that turns off the engine when the brake is applied and turns it on when the brake is released).

The TDF8530 is an ultra-high-efficiency 4-channel Class D audio amplifier that supports the 6V required for start-stop vehicles. The TDF8546 is a 4-channel Class AB amplifier featuring a peak efficiency mode operating at 6V, reducing power loss by 17% compared to comparable industry high-efficiency solutions. Both amplifiers enable audio enjoyment without quality degradation in all vehicles utilizing start-stop systems, such as hybrid electric vehicles, micro-hybrid vehicles, and mild hybrids, even when the supply voltage suddenly drops to 6V.

Drue Freeman, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing for NXP Semiconductors’ Automotive division, stated, “Start-stop systems are gaining significant attention as a way to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, and are particularly popular in urban traffic conditions characterized by constant stop-and-go traffic.” He added, “The NXP 6V audio amplifier is designed to ensure exceptional, uninterrupted audio performance even in energy-efficient vehicles. By offering both Class AB and Class D options that integrate extensive protection features and the latest diagnostics, NXP has made designing high-quality audio systems for high-energy-efficient vehicles easier and more flexible.” “These new products have enabled efficiency in in-vehicle subsystems, which is a good example of how NXP is utilizing high-performance mixed-signal technology to increase energy efficiency in all types of vehicles,” the company stated.

"Comfortable, high-quality sound is very important for hybrid electric vehicles," said Moon Yong-min, a senior researcher at Hyundai Mobis' Multimedia Core Technology Team. "The NXP TDF8530, equipped with outstanding performance, robustness, and high energy efficiency, is the optimal high-performance audio solution for drivers who are sensitive to energy conservation."

High-efficiency 4-channel Class D amplifier operating at 6V
The TDF8530 is the latest addition to NXP’s portfolio of highly integrated, high-performance Class D amplifiers, delivering concert-quality sound to in-vehicle entertainment systems. NXP’s 4-channel Class D amplifier is an ideal solution for automotive head units and sound system platforms, and can be applied to high-end home entertainment systems, such as iPod docking systems, to provide outstanding audio performance. This new Class D amplifier is also designed for application in new fields, such as car ambient sound systems that simulate engine sounds in electric vehicles or active noise cancellation systems.

The ultra-high-efficiency TDF8530, realizing 72W per channel output at a maximum supply voltage of 24V, provides maximum diagnostic technology and protection devices for the robustness of in-vehicle systems. The state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, controlled via the I2C bus, includes differentiated startup diagnostics as well as many other functions such as speaker protection, clip detection, and AC load tweeter detection. Furthermore, the TDF8530 delivers excellent EMC performance and optimal sound at maximum power. The thermal fold-back integrated into the hardware protects the device from overheating.

The key features of the TDF8530 ultra-high-efficiency 4-channel Class AB amplifier are as follows:
 4 BTL channels, 4Ω or 2Ω possible
 4 x 26W / 72W output power (14.4V / 24V, 10% THD, 4 Ohm)
 Driving supply voltage 6V ~ 24V
 Excellent sound quality – Low pop noise even with DC offset voltage
 Hardware-controlled thermal fold-back and thermal protection device
 I²C control and extensive diagnostic technology (e.g., clip and load detection)
 HSOP44 package

High-efficiency 4-channel Class AB amplifier operating at 6V
The TDF8546 Class AB amplifier provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for in-vehicle entertainment in hybrid and electric vehicles. The TDF8546 ultra-high-efficiency 4-channel Class AB amplifier has a power loss rate 17% lower than other high-efficiency Class AB amplifiers and ensures optimal system stability by implementing best-in-class diagnostic technology and protection devices, which is why many car audio system manufacturers, including Visteon, have chosen the TDF8546.

The key features of the TDF8546 highest efficiency 4-channel Class AB amplifier are as follows:
 Operates on 4 channels under various signal conditions
 4 x 25W output power (14.4V, 10% THD, 4 Ohm)
 Driving supply voltage 6V ~ 18V
 Excellent sound quality – Zero pop noise, suitable for 2 Ohm ~ 4 Ohm speakers
 Maximum Efficiency Mode – Low Dark Current per Channel
 17% lower power loss compared to other high-efficiency Class AB amplifiers
 35% lower power loss compared to standard Class AB amplifiers
 Zero switch noise caused by the signal path switch
 Short circuit, thermal overload, and ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection devices
 I2C bus diagnostic technologies such as start-up diagnostics, clip detection, and pre-warning
 Small footprint: HSOP36 and DBS27 packages

Release date
Both TDF8530 and TDF8546 are currently available as engineering samples.
TDF8530 Product Information: http://www.nxp.com/pip/TDF8530TH.html
TDF8546 Additional Information: http://www.nxp.com/pip/TDF8546.html

NXP’s portfolio of audio amplifiers capable of operating at 6V includes the TDF8544, in mass production since 2010, and the TDF8541, in mass production since 2011. More information on how NXP is increasing vehicle efficiency with its extensive range of products for start-stop systems can be found at the following website: http://www.nxp.com/drivingefficiency/Start-Stop_systems