A -107.8 dB THD+N Low-EMI Multi-Level Class-D Audio Amplifier

This paper describes a class-D audio amplifier with a multilevel output stage that reduces both EMI and idle power. High loop gain, and thus high linearity, are enabled by a relatively high (4.2 MHz) switching frequency, which relaxes the requirements on its output LC filter. Fabricated in a 180nm BCD technology, it can drive 14 W into an 8-Ω load with state-of-the-art performance: -107.8 dB THD+N, 91% peak efficiency, and 7 mA quiescent current. It meets the CISPR 25 Class 5 radiated emission standard with a low-cost 580 kHz LC filter, improving the state-of-the-art by 5.8x.