Infineon introduces the latest generation of MERUS™ multilevel Class D audio amplifiers

     Achieving long-lasting music playback performance in a compact, cost-effective and energy efficient design is critical, especially for battery-powered applications. As a global semiconductor leader in power systems and the Internet of Things, Infineon Technologies has introduced the latest generation of MERUS™ multilevel Class D audio amplifiers, enabling its multiple eco-partners to now support interested customers through design import. Infineon hopes to work with these specialist companies to drive the adoption of this latest innovation. With unique Class D modulation technology for up to 5 output voltage levels, Infineon Class D audio amplifiers enable high fidelity audio playback.

     The new MERUS™ multilevel switching technology uses one-tenth of the idle power of traditional Class D amplifiers while improving sound quality. This multilevel Class D amplifier only requires ferrite beads to output low-pass filtering circuits, eliminating the need for large inductors and greatly reducing the space taken up by PCBS and the additional cost of inductors. Two of Infineon's major partners in this space -- Eleven Engineering in the global business region and Volumio in the Europe, Middle East and Africa business region -- are currently developing unique audio solutions based on MERUS™ Class D audio amplifiers, respectively.

     Dafydd Roche, Marketing Director of Infineon's Class D Audio product line, said: "The product can drive two 37W speakers at full power while supporting inductorless and low EMI output. Because it consumes only one-tenth of the idle power of competitors' products, it offers unique advantages to original equipment manufacturers (Oems) and original component manufacturers (ODMs), such as reducing product size and system costs by eliminating large, bulky inductors and shielding devices and reducing battery capacity for the same playback time. "Our eco-partners add to our existing system solutions -- with decades of audio expertise, they provide unique support for our MERUS™ family of amplifiers design introductions and products, speeding time to market for our customers."

     Eleven Engineering is the founder of SKAA, an advanced wireless audio standard that provides high-quality audio design to customers in key audio markets such as home theater, multi-room, portable audio, and outdoor audio. "Infineon's Class D amplifier topology significantly extends the battery life of SKAA wireless products, making them even more desirable to our customers," said John Sobota, CEO, director and founder of Eleven Engineering. In addition to this obvious advantage, there is also the potential to reduce material costs by eliminating the need for expensive components such as output inductors, case boxes, dedicated radiators, which is attractive to industry vendors."