Very Simple Bench Amplifier

A small 325mW amplifier with a voltage gain of 200 that can be used as a bench amplifier, signal tracer or used to amplify the output from personal radios, etc. The circuit is based on the National Semiconductor LM386 amplifier. In the diagram above, the LM386 forms a complete non-inverting amplifier with voltage gain of x200. A datasheet in PDF format can be downloaded from the National Semiconductor website. The IC is available in an 8 pin DIL package and several versions are available; the LM386N-1 which has 325mW output into an 8 ohm load, the Lm386N-3 which has 700mW output and the LM386N-4 which offers 1000mW output. all versions work in this circuit. The gain of the Lm386 can be controlled by the capacitor across pins 1 and 8. With the 10u cap shown above, voltage gain is 200, omitting this capacitor and the gain of the amplifier is 20.

Finished project:
Circuit diagram:

Bench Amplifier Circuit Diagram

The IC works from 4 to 12Volts DC, 12Volt being the maximum recommended value. The internal input impedance of the amplifier is 50K, this is shunted with a 22k log potentiometer so input impedance in this circuit will be lower at about 15k. The input is DC coupled so care must be taken not to amplify any DC from the preceeding circuit, otherwise the loudspeaker may be damaged. A coupling capacitor may included in series with the 22k control to prevent this from happening.

Source: Zen

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1W BTL Audio Amplifier

The TDA8581(T) from Philips Semiconductors is a 1-watt Bridge Tied Load (BTL) audio power amplifier capable of delivering 1 watt output power into an 8-Wload at THD (total harmonic distortion) of 10% and using a 5V power supply. The schematic shown here combines the functional diagram of the TDA8551 with its typical application circuit. The gain of the amplifier can be set by the digital volume control input. At the highest volume setting, the gain is 20 dB. Using the MODE pin the device can be switched to one of three modes: standby (MODE level between Vp and Vp–0.5 V), muted (MODE level between 1 V and Vp–1.4 V) or normal (MODE level less than 0.5 V). The TDA8551 is protected by an internal thermal shutdown protection mechanism. The total voltage loss for both MOS transistors in the complementary output stage is less than 1 V.

Circuit diagram:

1 Watt BTL Audio Amplifier Circuit Diagram

Using a 5-V supply and an 8-W loudspeaker, an output power of 1 watt can be delivered. The volume control has an attenuation range of between 0 dB and 80 dB in 64 steps set by the 3-state level at the UP/DOWN pin: floating: volume remains unchanged; negative pulses: decrease volume; positive pulses: increase volume Each pulse at he Up/DOWN pin causes a change in gain of 80/64 = 1.25 dB (typical value). When the supply voltage is first connected, the attenuator is set to 40 dB (low volume), so the gain of the total amplifier is then –20 dB. Some positive pulses have to be applied to the UP/DOWN pin to achieve listening volume. The graph shows the THD as a function of output power. The maximum quiescent current consumption of the amplifier is specified at 10 mA, to which should be added the current resulting from the output offset voltage divided by the load impedance.

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Simple Servo Driver

When it comes to driving a servo you typically have to send a PWM signal to the servo input. The frequency of this signal is about 50 Hz and the duty cycle is variable. The duty cycle is usually between about 5 and 10%, corresponding with a pulse width of about 1 to 2 ms. The conversion of a resistance value into a PWM signal is fairly straightforward when a variable RC time constant circuit is used. Converting a voltage into a PWM signal is a bit more difficult, but it does offer some useful advantages.

Simple Servo Driver Circuit Diagram

When the position of a servo can be controlled via a voltage, it can be implemented via a potentiometer acting as a voltage divider. However, you could also use the output of a sensor such as a Hall sensor, an LDR or an NTC. That way you could easily create a feed-back loop that takes account of the position, light intensity or the temperature, and use this to control the servo. This can in turn be used to open or close a gas or water valve, for example. The circuit can therefore be said to be reasonably versatile.

There are special purpose PWM modulator ICs available, but it’s just as easy to use a quad op amp such as an LM324. In the circuit op amp C is configured to output a bias signal of half the supply voltage. Op amp D is set up as a square-wave oscillator, with its frequency set to about 50 Hz, which is the frequency required by the servo. The duty cycle is fixed and set to a value slightly higher than the maximum 10%.

This is followed by an integrator that changes the waveform of the pulse into a triangular form. Op amp B is configured as a comparator that compares this triangular wave with the DC voltage Uin. The output of the comparator is a PWM signal that is suitable to drive the servo directly. The frequency is about 50 Hz and the duty cycle can be varied from just under 5% to a good 10% when Uin varies from 0.5 to 4 V. The servo, an RS-2 in our prototype, reacts to this with an angular rotation of about 200 degrees. The transfer function in this case is therefore 200 / (4–0.5) = 57 degrees per volt.

Author: Gert Baars - Copyright: Elektor

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Automatic Battery Charger

Normally, chargers available in the market do not have any sort of control except for a ro-tary switch that can select different tap-pings on a rheostat, to vary the charging current. This type of control is not adequate because of the irregular fluctuations in the mains supply, rendering the control ineffective.  A simple circuit intended for automatic charging of lead-acid batteries is presented here. It is flexible enough to be used for large capacity inverter batteries. Only the rating of transformer and power transistor needs to be increased.

Circuit diagram :

Automatic Battery Charger Circuit Diagram

 

The circuit has been basically designed for a car battery (about 40 Ah rating), which could be used for lighting two 40W tube lights. The circuit includes Schmitt trigger relay driver,float charger,and battery voltage monitor sections.  The Schmitt trigger is incorporated to avoid relay chattering. It is designed for a window of about 1V. During charging, when the battery voltage increases be-yond 13.64V, the relay cuts off and the float charging section continues to work. When battery voltage goes below 11.66V, the relay is turned on and direct (fast) charging of the battery takes place at around 3A.  In the Schmitt trigger circuit, resistors R1 and R2 are used as a simple voltage divider (divide-by-2) to provide battery voltage sample to the inverting input terminal of IC1. The non-invert-ing input terminal of IC1 is used for reference input derived from the output of IC2 (7806), using the potentiometer arrangement of resistors R3 (18 kilo-ohm) and R4 (1 kilo-ohm).

LED1 is connected across relay to indicate fast charging mode. Diodes D3 and D6 in the common leads of IC2 and IC3 respectively provide added protecion to the regulators.  The float charging section, comprising regulator 7812, transistors T3 and T4, and few other discrete components, becomes active when the battery volt-age goes above 13.64V (such that the relay RL1 is deenergised). In the energised state of the relay, the emitter and collector of transistor T4 remain shorted, and hence the float charger is ineffective and direct charging of battery takes place.

The reference terminal of regulator (IC3) is kept at 3.9V using LED2, LED3, and diode D6 in the common lead of IC3 to obtain the required regulated output (15.9V), in excess of its rated output, which is needed for proper operation of the circuit. This output voltage is fed to the base of transistor T3 (BC548), which along with transistor T4 (2N3055) forms a Darlington pair. You get 14.5V output at the emitter of transistor T4, but because of a drop in diode D7 you effectively get 13.8V at the positive terminal of the battery. When Schmitt trigger switches ‘on’ relay RL1, charging is at high current rate (boost mode). The fast charging path, starting from transformer X2, comprises diode D5, N/O contacts of relay RL1, and diode D7.

The circuit built around IC4 and IC5 is the voltage monitoring section that provides visual display of battery voltage level in bar graph like fashion. Regulator 7805 is used for generating reference voltage. Preset VR1 (20 kilo-ohm) can be used to adjust voltage levels as indicated in the circuit. Here also a pot meter arrangement using resistors R7, R8, and R9 is used as ‘divide by 3’ circuit to sample the battery voltage. When voltage is below 10V, the buzzer sounds to indicate that the safe dis-charge limit has been exceeded.

Author : Yash Deep - Copyright : EFY Mag

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MP3 FM Transmitter Circuit Diagram

Here's a simple VHF FM transmitter that could be used to play audio files from an MP3 player or computer on a standard VHF FM radio. The circuit use no coils that have to be wound. This FM transmitter can be used to listen to your own music throughout your home. When this FM transmitter used in the car, there is no need for a separate input to the car stereo to play back the music files from your MP3 player.

Project image :

USB FM transmitter

 

To keep the circuit simple as well as compact, it was decided to use a chip made by Maxim Integrated Products, the MAX2606 [1]. This IC from the MAX2605-MAX2609 series has been specifically designed for low-noise RF applications with a fixed frequency. The VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) in this IC uses a Colpitts oscillator circuit. The variable-capacitance (varicap) diode and feedback capacitors
for the tuning have also been integrated on this chip, so that you only need an external inductor to fix the central oscillator frequency.

t is possible to fine-tune the frequency by varying the voltage to the varicap. Not much is demanded of the inductor, a type with a relatively low Q factor (35 to 40) is sufficient according to Maxim. The supply voltage to the IC should be between 2.7 and 5.5 V, the current consumption is between 2 and 4 mA. With values like these it seemed a good idea to supply the circuit with power from a USB port.

Circuit diagram:

USB FM transmitter schematics Circuit diagram

 Parts List
Resistors (all SMD 0805)
R1,R2 = 22kΩ
R3 = 4kΩ7
R4,R5 = 1kΩ
R6 = 270Ω
P1 = 10kΩ preset, SMD (TS53YJ103MR10 Vishay Sfernice, Farnell # 1557933)
P2 = 100kΩ preset, SMD(TS53YJ104MR10 Vishay Sfernice, Farnell # 1557934)
Capacitors (all SMD 0805)
C1,C2,C5 = 4μF7 10V
C3,C8 = 100nF
C4,C7 = 2nF2
C6 = 470nF
Inductors
L1 = 390nF, SMD 1206 (LQH31HNR39K03L Murata, Farnell # 1515418)
L2 = 2200Ω @ 100MHz, SMD, common-mode choke, 1206 type(DLW31SN222SQ2L Murata, Farnell #1515599)
Semiconductors
IC1 = MAX2606EUT+, SMD SOT23-6 (Maxim Integrated Products)
Miscellaneous
K1 = 3.5mm stereo audio jack SMD (SJ1-3513-SMT
CUI Inc, DIGI-Key # CP1-3513SJCT-ND)
K2 = 5-pin header (only required in combination with 090305-I pre-emphasis circuit)
K3 = USB connector type A, SMD (2410 07 Lumberg, Farnell # 1308875)

A common-mode choke is connected in series with the USB connections in order to avoid interference between the circuit and the PC supply. There is not much else to the circuit. The stereo signal connected to K1 is combined via R1 and R2 and is then passed via volume control P1 to the Tune input of IC1, where it causes the carrier wave to be frequency modulated. Filter R6/C7 is used to restrict the bandwidth of the audio signal. The setting of the frequency (across the whole VHF FM broadcast band) is done with P2, which is connected to the 5 V supply voltage.

The PCB designed uses resistors and capacitors with 0805 SMD packaging. The size of the board is only 41.2 x 17.9 mm, which is practically dongle-sized. For the aerial an almost straight copper track has been placed at the edge of the board. In practice we achieved a range of about 6 metres (18 feet) with this. There is also room for a 5-way SIL header on the board. Here we find the inputs to the 3.5 mm jack plug, the input to P1 and the supply voltage. The latter permits the circuit to be powered independently from the mains supply, via for example three AA batteries or a Lithium button cell. Inductor L1 in the prototype is a type made by Murata that has a fairly high Q factor: minimum 60 at 100 MHz.

PCB Layout :

 USB FM transmitter Layout PCB

Take care when you solder filter choke L2, since the connections on both sides are very close together. The supply voltage is connected to this, so make sure that you don’t short out the USB supply! Use a resistance meter to check that there is no short between the two supply connectors before connecting the circuit to a USB port on a computer or to the batteries.

P1 has the opposite effect to what you would expect (clockwise reduces the volume), because this made the board layout much easier. The deviation and audio bandwidth varies with the setting of P1. The maximum sensitivity of the audio input is fairly large. With P1 set to its maximum level, a stereo input of 10 mVrms is sufficient for the sound on the radio to remain clear. This also depends on the setting of the VCO. With a higher tuning voltage the input signal may be almost twice as large (see VCO tuning curve in the data sheet). Above that level some audible distortion becomes apparent. If the attenuation can’t be easily set by P1, you can increase the values of R1 and R2 without any problems.

Measurements with an RF analyzer showed that the third harmonic had a strong presence in the transmitted spectrum (about 10 dB below the fundamental frequency). This should really have been much lower. With a low-impedance source connected to both inputs the bandwidth varies from 13.1 kHz (P1 at maximum) to 57 kHz (with the wiper of P1 set to 1/10). In this circuit the pre-emphasis of the input is missing. Radios in Europe have a built-in de-emphasis network of 50 μs (75 μs in the US). The sound from the radio will therefore sound noticeably muffled. To correct this, and also to stop a stereo receiver from mistakenly reacting to a 19 kHz component in the audio signal, an enhancement circuit Is published elsewhere in this issue (Pre-emphasis for FM Transmitter, also with a PCB). Author: Mathieu Coustans, Elektor Magazine, 2009

Notice. The use of a VHF FM transmitter, even a low power device like the one described here, is subject to radio regulations and may not be legal in all countries.

Source :http://fmtvguide.blogspot.com

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3x3x3 LED Cube Circuit Diagram

This circuit drives a 3x3x3 cube consisting of 27 white LEDs. The 4020 IC is a 14 stage binary counter and we have used 9 outputs. Each output drives 3 white LEDs in series and we have omitted a dropper resistor as the chip can only deliver a maximum of 15mA per output. The 4020 produces 512 different patterns before the sequence repeats and you have to build the project to see the effects it produces on the 3D cube.

Circuit diagram

 3x3x3 LED Cube Circuit diagram

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IR Remote Control Tester

Here’s a simple, low cost, and easy to construct infrared remote control tester. The tester is built around an easily available infrared receiver module (TSOP 1238).
Circuit Diagram:

 IR Remote Control Tester Circuit Diagram

Normally, data output pin 3 of the IR receiver module is at a high level (5 volts)and as such driver transistor T1 is in cut-off state. Whenever the IR receiver module receives a valid (modulated) infrared signal, its data output pin goes low in synchronism with the received infrared bursts. As a result, transistor T1 conducts during negative pulse period and the.LED blinks to indicate reception of signals from the remote such as TV remote control. A miniature active buzzer is connected at the collector of transistor T1 for audio indication.


The 5V DC for energizing the circuit is directly derived from the 230V AC mains supply. Unlike the conventional resistive voltage divider, a capacitive potential divider is used here, which does not radiate any heat and makes the tester quite compact. Another advantage of this tester is no false triggering due to the ambient light or electronic ballast-operated tubelights. A suggested enclosure for the circuit is shown in Fig. 2.

Author : T.K. Hareendran : Copyright :Electronics For You September 2002

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Condenser Mic Audio Amplifier

The compact, low-cost condenser mic audio amplifier described here provides good-quality audio of 0.5 watts at 4.5 volts. It can be used as part of intercoms, walkie-talkies, low-power transmitters, and packet radio receivers. Transistors T1 and T2 form the mic preamplifier. Resistor R1 provides the necessary bias for the condenser mic while preset VR1 functions as gain control for varying its gain. In order to increase the audio power, the low-level audio output from the preamplifier stage is coupled via coupling capacitor C7 to the audio power amplifier built around BEL1895 IC.

Circuit diagram:

Condenser Mic Audio Amplifier Circuit Diagram

BEL1895 is a monolithic audio power amplifier IC designed specifically for sensitive AM radio applications that delivers 1 watt into 4 ohms at 6V power supply voltage. It exhibits low distortion and noise and operates over 3V-9V supply voltage, which makes it ideal for battery operation. A turn-on pop reduction circuit prevents thud when the power supply is switched on. Coupling capacitor C7 determines low-frequency response of the amplifier. Capacitor C9 acts as the ripple-rejection filter.

Capacitor C13 couples the output available at pin 1 to the loudspeaker. R15-C13 combination acts as the damping circuit for output oscillations. Capacitor C12 provides the boot strapping function. This circuit is suitable for low-power HAM radio transmitters to supply the necessary audio power for modulation. With simple modifications it can also be used in intercom circuits.

Author: D. Prabakaran - Copyright: Electronics For You Mag

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Playback Amplifier For Cassette Deck

For some time now, there have been a number of tape cassette decks available at low prices from mail order businesses and electronics retailers. Such decks do not contain any electronics, of course. It is not easy to build a recording amplifier and the fairly complex magnetic biasing circuits, but a playback amplifier is not too difficult as the present one shows. The stereo circuits in the diagram, in conjunction with a suitable deck, form a good-quality cassette player. The distortion and frequency range (up to 23 kHz) are up to good standards. Moreover, the circuit can be built on a small board for incorporation with the deck in a suitable enclosure. Both terminals of coupling capacitor C1 are at ground potential when the amplifier is switched on.

Circuit diagram:

Cassette Deck Playback Amplifier Circuit Diagram

Because of the symmetrical ±12 V supply lines, the capacitor will not be charged. If a single supply is used, the initial surge when the capacitor is being charged causes a loud click in the loudspeaker and, worse, magnetizes the tape. The playback head provides an audio signal at a level of 200–500 mV. The two amplifiers raise this to line level, not linearly, but in accordance with the RIAA equalization characteristic for tape recorders. Broadly speaking, this characteristic divides the frequency range into three bands:

• Up to 50 Hz, corresponding to a time constant of 3.18 ms, the signal is highly and linearly amplified.
• Between 50 Hz and 1.326 kHz, corresponding to a time constant of 120 µs, for normal tape, or 2.274 kHz, corresponding to a time constant of 70 µs, for chromium dioxide tape, the signal is amplified at a steadily decreasing rate.
• Above 1.326 kHz or 2.274 kHz, as the case may be, the signal is slightly and linearly amplified. This characteristic is determined entirely by A1 (A1’). To make the amplifier suitable for use with chromium dioxide tape, add a double-pole switch (for stereo) to connect a 2.2 kΩ resistor in parallel with R3 (R3’). The output of A1 (A1’) is applied to a passive high-pass rumble filter, C3-R5 (C3’-R5’) with a very low cut-off frequency of 7 Hz. The components of this filter have exactly the same value as the input filter, C1-R1 (C1’-R1’). The second stage, A2 (A2’) amplifies the signal ´100, that is, to line level (1V r.m.s.).

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Mini Portable Guitar Amplifier

Can be fitted into a packet of cigarettes, Also suitable as Fuzz-box

This small amplifier was intended to be used in conjunction with an electric guitar to do some low power monitoring, mainly for practice, either via an incorporated small loudspeaker or headphones. The complete circuit, loudspeaker, batteries, input and output jacks can be encased in a small box having the dimensions of a packet of cigarettes, or it could be fitted also into a real packet of cigarettes like some ready-made units available on the market.
This design can be used in three different ways:

1. Loudspeaker amplifier: when powered by a 9V alkaline battery it can deliver about 1.5W peak output power to the incorporated loudspeaker.
2. Headphone amplifier or low power loudspeaker amplifier: when powered by a 3V battery (2x1.5V cells) it can drive any headphone set type at a satisfactory output power level or deliver to the incorporated loudspeaker about 60mW of output power. This configuration is useful for saving battery costs.
3. Fuzz-box: when powered by a 3V battery (2x1.5V cells) and having its output connected to a guitar amplifier input the circuit will behave as a good Fuzz-box, showing an output square wave with marked rounded corners, typical of valve-circuits output when driven into saturation.

Circuit diagram:

Mini Guitar Amplifier Circuit Diagram

Parts:

R1______________22K 1/4W Resistor
C1______________10µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
C2_____________100nF 63V Polyester or Ceramic Capacitor
C3_____________220µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
IC1__________TDA7052 Audio power amplifier IC
J1,J2__________6.3mm Stereo Jack sockets (switched)
SPKR___________8 Ohm Loudspeaker (See Notes)
B1________________9V PP3 Battery or 3V Battery (2 x 1.5V AA, AAA Cells in series etc.)
Clip for PP3 Battery or socket for 2 x 1.5V AA or AAA Cells

Notes:

• For the sake of simplicity and compactness, this unit employs a dual bridge IC amplifier and a few other parts. For the same reason no volume or tone controls are provided as it is supposed that the controls already existing on the electric guitar will serve satisfactorily to the purpose.
• No power switch is used: the battery voltage will be applied to the circuit when the input plug will be inserted in the input jack socket J1. For this purpose be sure that the input plug is a common 1/4 inch guitar mono jack plug and J1 is a 1/4 inch stereo jack socket.
• The output jack socket J2 must be a switched stereo type. The changeover switching is arranged in such a way that, when a common headphones stereo jack plug is inserted into the socket, the loudspeaker will be disabled and the mono output signal will drive both the headsets in series, allowing full headphone reproduction. When used as a Fuzz-box output, a mono jack plug must be inserted into J2.
• If the amplifier is intended to be encased in a packet of cigarettes, standard loudspeaker diameter should be 57 or 50mm.

Technical data:

Max output power: 1.5W @ 9V supply - 8 Ohm load; 60mW @ 3V supply - 8 Ohm load
Frequency response: Flat from 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion @ 100mW output: 0.2%
Max input voltage @ 3V supply: 8mV RMS
Minimum input voltage for Fuzz-box operation: 18mV RMS @ 3V supply
Current consumption @ 400mW and 9V supply: 200mA
Current consumption @ 250mW and 9V supply: 150mA
Current consumption @ 60mW and 3V supply: 80mA
Quiescent current consumption: 6mA @ 9V, 4mA @ 3V supply
Fuzz-box current consumption: 3mA @ 3V supply
Copyright: www.redcircuits.com

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DC-Coupled Audio Amplifier

Designs for audio amplifiers with DC coupling to the load are not often encountered these days, even though they offer definite advantages. One advantage is that there is no need for the complication of a second (symmetric) power supply; another is good frequency and phase response. Also, no special electrolytic capacitors are needed for voltage stabilisation, and switch-on ‘thump’ is much reduced. To try to rescue this class of circuit from obscurity the author has designed a headphone amplifier working along the lines illustrated in Figure 1.

Circuit diagram:

DC-Coupled Audio Amplifier Circuit Diagram

It consists of a voltage divider, a voltage follower and the loudspeaker in the headphones, whose other side is connected to the junction of two electrolytic capacitors, providing the virtual earth. The potential at this point is, of course, half the supply voltage. All we need to do now is suitably couple in the audio signal to be amplified. Figure 2 shows a practical realisation of this idea in the form of a stereo headphone amplifier. The amplifier itself consists of IC1 and P1, R3 and R4 (giving a gain of 11).

Circuit diagram:

DC Coupled Audio Amplifier Circuit Diagram

This part of the circuit demands no further explanation, and the same goes for the voltage divider mentioned above, formed by R1a and R1b. The signal is coupled in via the potentiometers. C2 and R2 have a special purpose: C2 connects the bottom end of the potentiometers (ground for the input signal) to the virtual earth. However, this capacitor creates a feedback path which can lead to oscillation of the amplifier under some circumstances. R2 damps this tendency to oscillate.

It is possible to calculate suitable values for these components, but it is better to determine them by experiment. C2 must be sufficiently large that stray electric fields do not cause unacceptable hum at the output. R2 must be sufficiently large that the voltage at the amplifier’s virtual earth stabilises quickly enough after switch-on. The polarity of the electrolytic is unimportant as no significant voltage appears across the network. It is possible to try the circuit out with the C2/R2 network shorted and observe the behaviour of the circuit at switch-on using an oscilloscope. Depending on the degree of asymmetry in the circuit, the voltage at the virtual earth point can take a considerable time to stabilise.
Author: Peter Bitzer
Copyright: Elektor Electronics

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Compact High-Performance 12V 20W Stereo Amplifier

Amplifiers which run from 12V DC generally don’t put out much power and they are usually not hifi as well. But this little stereo amplifier ticks the power and low distortion boxes. With a 14.4V supply, it will deliver 20 watts per channel into 4-ohm loads at clipping while harmonic distortion at lower power levels is typically less than 0.03%.

This is an ideal project for anyone wanting a compact stereo amplifier that can run from a 12V battery. It could be just the ticket for buskers who want a small but gutsy amplifier which will run from an SLA battery or it could used anywhere that 12V DC is available – in cars, recreational vehicles, remote houses with 12V DC power or where ever.

20W Stereo Audio Amplifier

Because it runs from DC, it will be an ideal beginner’s or schoolie’s project, with no 240VAC power supply to worry about. You can run it from a 12V battery or a DC plugpack. But while it may be compact and simple to build, there is no need to apologise for “just average” performance. In listening tests from a range of compact discs, we were very impressed with the sound quality.

Long-time readers might recall that we presented a similar 12V power amplifier design back in May 2001. It was a similar configuration to this one but it is now completely over-shadowed by the much lower distortion and greatly improved signal-to-noise ratio of this new design. In fact, let’s be honest: the previous unit is not a patch on this new design. It used two TDA1519A ICs which resulted in distortion figures above 1% virtually across the board and a signal-to-noise ratio of only -69dB unweighted.

20W Stereo Amplifier Circuit

However, by using the TDA­7377 power amplifier IC and making some other improvements, the THD (total harmonic distortion) of the new design is about 50 times better than the older unit (see performance graphs for details). The bottom line is that the THD under typical conditions is around just 0.03% or less. It is also able to deliver more output power due to the improved output transistors in the new power amplifier IC.

In addition, its idle power consumption is low – not much more than 1W. As a result, if you don’t push it too hard it will run cool and won’t drain the battery too quickly. And because the IC has self-protection circuitry, it’s just about indestructible. It will self-limit or shut down if it overheats and the outputs are deactivated if they are shorted.

Circuit diagram:

20W Stereo Amplifier Circuit Diagram

With a 12V supply, the largest voltage swing a conventional solid-state power amplifier can generate is ±6V. This results in a meagre 4.5W RMS into 4O and 2.25W RMS into 8O, without considering losses in the output transistors. Even if the DC supply is around 14.4V (the maximum that can normally be expected from a 12V car battery), that only brings the power figures up to 6.48W and 3.24W for 4O and 8O loads respectively – still not really enough.

There are three common solutions to this problem. The first is to boost the supply voltage using a switchmode DC converter. This greatly increases the cost and complexity of the amplifier but it is one way of getting a lot of power from a 12V supply. However, we wanted to keep this project simple and that rules out this technique.

Parts layout:

There are variations on the boosting method, such as the class H architecture used in the TDA1562Q IC featured in the Portapal PA Amplifier (SILICON CHIP, February 2003). It is able to achieve 40W/channel but with >0.1% THD. In that case, the amplifier output itself provides the switching for a charge pump. The second method is to lower the speaker impedance. Some car speakers have an impedance as low as 2O, which allows twice as much power to be delivered at the same supply voltage. However, we don’t want to restrict this amplifier to 2O loudspeakers.

Author: Nicholas Vinen - Copyright: Silicon Chip

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36 Watt Audio Power Amplifier Using TDA1562Q

It's based on a Philips class-H audio amplifier IC and can deliver 36W RMS OR 70W music power, all from a 13.8V supply. Our new Mighty Midget Amplifier can really pack a punch - around 36W RMS continuous into a 4-ohm load when using a 13.8V supply. However, it's the 70W of output power that it can deliver during dynamic (music) signal conditions that really make you sit up and take notice.

As can be seen from the photos and the circuit diagram, the Mighty Midget uses just a handful of parts. It's built on a PC board that measures just 104mm x 39mm but while its size may be modest, these's nothing at all modest about its power output. And the noise and distortion figures are pretty good too.

Circuit diagram:

At the heart of the circuit is the TDA1562Q IC, described by Philips as a "monolithic integrated Bridge-Tied Load (BTL) class-H high-efficiency power amplifier". It comes in a 17-pin "DIL-bent-SIL" plastic package and is not only designed for use in car audio and portable PA work but for mains applications as well; eg, mini/midi audio components and TV sound.

Parts layout:

PCB layout:

Performance:

Output power:----------------------36W RMS into 4R
Music power:-----------------------70W into 4R
Frequency response:---------------1dB down at 28Hz and 55kHz
Input sensitivity:-------------------130mV RMS (for 36W into 4?)
Harmonic distortion:----------------typically 0.2% (see graphs)
Signal-to-noise ratio:----------------95dB unweighted (22Hz to 22kHz)

Source: Silicon Chip March 2002

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45 Watt Class-B Audio Power Amplifier

45W into 8 Ohm - 69W into 4 Ohm, Easy to build - No setup required

These goals were achieved by using a discrete-components op-amp driving a BJT complementary common-emitter output stage into Class B operation. In this way, for small output currents, the output transistors are turned off, and the op-amp provides all of the output current. At higher output currents, the power transistors conduct, and the contribution of the op-amp is limited to approximately 0.7/R11. The quiescent current of the op-amp biases the external transistors, and hence greatly reduces the range of crossover.

The idea sprang up from a letter published on Wireless World, December 1982, page 65 written by N. M. Allinson, then at the University of Keele, Staffordshire. In this letter, op-amp ICs were intended as drivers but, as supply voltages up to +/- 35V are required for an amplifier of about 50W, the use of an op-amp made of discrete-components was then considered and the choice proved rewarding.

The discrete-components op-amp is based on a Douglas Self design. Nevertheless, his circuit featured quite obviously a Class A output stage. As for proper operation of this amplifier a Class B output stage op-amp is required, the original circuit was modified accordingly. Using a mains transformer with a secondary winding rated at the common value of 25 + 25V (or 24 + 24V) and 100/120VA power, two amplifiers can be driven at 45W and 69W output power into 8 and 4 Ohms respectively, with very low distortion (less than 0.01% @ 1kHz and 20W into 8 Ohms).

This simple, straightforward but rugged circuit, though intended for any high quality audio application and, above all, to complete the recently started series of articles forming the Modular Preamplifier Control Center, is also well suited to make a very good Guitar or Bass amplifier. Enjoy!

Circuit diagram:

45W Class-B Amplifier Circuit Diagram

Parts:

R1______________18K - 1/4W Resistor
R2_______________3.9K - 1/4W Resistor
R3,R6____________1K - 1/4W Resistors
R4_______________2.2K - 1/4W Resistor
R5______________15K - 1/4W Resistor
R7______________22K - 1/4W Resistor
R8_____________330R - 1/4W Resistor
R9,R10__________10R - 1/4W Resistors
R11,R12_________47R - 1/4W Resistors
R13_____________10R - 1W Resistor

C1_______________1µF - 63V Polyester Capacitor
C2_____________470pF - 63V Polystyrene or Ceramic Capacitor
C3______________47µF - 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
C4______________15pF - 63V Polystyrene or Ceramic Capacitor
C6_____________220nF - 100V Polyester Capacitor
C6_____________100nF - 63V Polyester Capacitor

D1,D2,D3,D4___1N4148 - 75V 150mA Diodes

Q1,Q2________BC560C - 45V 100mA Low noise High gain PNP Transistors
Q3,Q4________BC556 - 65V 100mA PNP Transistors
Q5___________BC546 - 65V 100mA NPN Transistor
Q6___________BD139 - 80V 1.5A NPN Transistor
Q7___________BD140 - 80V 1.5A PNP Transistor
Q8__________2N3055 - 60V 15A NPN Transistor
Q9__________MJ2955 - 60V 15A PNP Transistor


Power supply :

Power Supply Circuit Diagram

Parts:

R1_______________3.3K - 1/2W Resistor
C1,C2_________4700µF - 50V Electrolytic Capacitors
C3,C4__________100nF - 63V Polyester Capacitors
D1_____________200V 8A Diode bridge
D2_____________5mm. Red LED
F1,F2__________4A Fuses with sockets
T1_____________230V or 115V Primary, 25+25V Secondary 120VA Mains transformer
PL1____________Male Mains plug
SW1____________SPST Mains switch

Comments:

The main design targets for this amplifier were as follows:

1. Output power in the 40 - 70W range
2. Simple circuitry
3. Easy to locate, low cost components
4. Rugged performance
5. No setup

Notes:

• 2N3055 and MJ2955 transistors were listed for Q8 and Q9 as the preferred types, but many different output transistors can be used satisfactorily: TIP3055/TIP2955, TIP35/TIP36, MJ802/MJ4502 amongst others.
• Discrete op-amp output transistors Q6 and Q7 do not require any heatsink as their cases remain at ambient temperature. Power transistors Q8 and Q9 should be mounted on a black, finned heatsink as usual.

Technical data:

Output power (1KHz sinewave):

• 45 Watt RMS into 8 Ohms - 69W RMS into 4 Ohms

Sensitivity:

• 0.81V RMS input for 45W output

Frequency response @ 1W RMS:

• 15Hz to 23KHz -0.2dB

Total harmonic distortion @ 1KHz:

• 1W 0.008% 20W 0.008% 45W 0.016%

Total harmonic distortion @10KHz:

• 1W 0.01% 20W 0.015% 45W 0.025%

Unconditionally stable on capacitive loads

..:: UPDATE ::..

There is a little mistake in circuit diagram. Q8 and Q9 are displayed on wrong places. Please replace Q8's place wiht Q9's. Q8 is NPN Transistor 2N3055 and Q9 is MJ2955 PNP Transistor. Please update your notes.

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60 Watt Audio Power Amplifier Circuit Diagram

High Quality, powerful unit: 90W into 4 Ohm load, Also suited as guitar or bass amplifier

To celebrate the hundredth design posted to this website, and to fulfil the requests of many correspondents wanting an amplifier more powerful than the 25W MosFet, a 60 - 90W High Quality power amplifier design is presented here. Circuit topology is about the same of the above mentioned amplifier, but the extremely rugged IRFP240 and IRFP9240 MosFet devices are used as the output pair, and well renowned high voltage Motorola's transistors are employed in the preceding stages.

The supply rails voltage was kept prudentially at the rather low value of + and - 40V. For those wishing to experiment, the supply rails voltage could be raised to + and - 50V maximum, allowing the amplifier to approach the 100W into 8 Ohm target: enjoy! A matching, discrete components, Modular Preamplifier design is available here: Modular Audio Preamplifier.

Amplifier section:

60 Watt MosFet Audio Power Amplifier Circuit Diagram

Parts:

R1______________47K 1/4W Resistor
R2_______________4K7 1/4W Resistor
R3______________22K 1/4W Resistor
R4_______________1K 1/4W Resistor
R5,R12,R13_____330R 1/4W Resistors
R6_______________1K5 1/4W Resistor
R7______________15K 1/4W Resistor
R8______________33K 1/4W Resistor
R9_____________150K 1/4W Resistor
R10____________500R 1/2W Trimmer Cermet
R11_____________39R 1/4W Resistor
R14,R15_________R33 2.5W Resistors
R16_____________10R 2.5W Resistor
R17_____________R22 5W Resistor (wirewound)
C1_____________470nF 63V Polyester Capacitor
C2_____________470pF 63V Polystyrene or ceramic Capacitor
C3______________47µF 63V Electrolytic Capacitor
C4,C8,C9,C11___100nF 63V Polyester Capacitors
C5______________10pF 63V Polystyrene or ceramic Capacitor
C6_______________1µF 63V Polyester Capacitor
C7,C10_________100µF 63V Electrolytic Capacitors
D1___________1N4002 100V 1A Diode
D2_____________5mm. Red LED
Q1,Q2,Q4_____MPSA43 200V 500mA NPN Transistors
Q3,Q5________BC546 65V 100mA NPN Transistors
Q6___________MJE340 200V 500mA NPN Transistor
Q7___________MJE350 200V 500mA PNP Transistor
Q8___________IRFP240 200V 20A N-Channel Hexfet Transistor
Q9___________IRFP9240 200V 12A P-Channel Hexfet Transistor

Power supply :

60 Watt MosFet Audio Amplifier Power Supply Circuit Diagram

Parts:

R1_______________3K9 1W Resistor
C1,C2_________4700µF 63V Electrolytic Capacitors (See Notes)
C3,C4__________100nF 63V Polyester Capacitors
D1_____________400V 8A Diode bridge
D2_____________5mm. Red LED
F1,F2__________4A Fuses with sockets
T1_____________230V or 115V Primary, 30+30V Secondary 160VA Mains transformer
PL1____________Male Mains plug
SW1____________SPST Mains switch

Notes:

1. In the original circuit, a three-diode string was wired in series to R10. Two of these diodes are now replaced by a red LED in order to achieve improved quiescent current stability over a larger temperature range. Thanks to David Edwards of LedeAudio for this suggestion.
2. A small, U-shaped heatsink must be fitted to Q6 & Q7.
3. Q8 & Q9 must be mounted on large heatsinks.
4. Quiescent current can be measured by means of an Avo-meter wired in series to the positive supply rail and no input signal.
5. Set the Trimmer R10 to its minimum resistance.
6. Power-on the amplifier and adjust R10 to read a current drawing of about 120 - 130mA.
7. Wait about 15 minutes, watch if the current is varying and readjust if necessary.
8. The value suggested for C1 and C2 in the Power Supply Parts List is the minimum required for a mono amplifier. For optimum performance and in stereo configurations, this value should be increased: 10000µF is a good compromise.
9. A correct grounding is very important to eliminate hum and ground loops. Connect to the same point the ground sides of R1, R3, C2, C3 and C4 and the ground input wire. Connect R7 and C7 to C11 to output ground. Then connect separately the input and output grounds to the power supply ground.

Technical data:

• Output power:
• 60 Watt RMS @ 8 Ohm (1KHz sinewave) - 90W RMS @ 4 Ohm
• Sensitivity:
• 1V RMS input for 58W output
• Frequency response:
• 30Hz to 20KHz -1dB
• Total harmonic distortion @ 1KHz:
• 1W 0.003% 10W 0.006% 20W 0.01% 40W 0.013% 60W 0.018%
• Total harmonic distortion @10KHz:
• 1W 0.005% 10W 0.02% 20W 0.03% 40W 0.06% 60W 0.09%
• Unconditionally stable on capacitive loads

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A Low Power Wireless Audio Power Amplifier

Battery-Powered portable unit, Suitable for all type Televisions

Using this low-cost project one can reproduce audio from TV without disturbing others. It does not use any wire connection between TV and Loud Speaker. In place of a pair of wires, it uses invisible infra-red light to transmit audio signals from TV to Loud speakers, Without using any lens a range of up to 6 meters is possible. Range can be extended by using lenses and reflectors with IR sensors comprising transmitters and receivers.
Transmitter's operation:
IR transmitter uses two-stage transistor amplifier to drive two series-connected IR LEDs. An audio output transformer (T1) is used (in reverse) to couple audio output from TV to the IR transmitter. Transistors Q1 and Q2 amplify the audio signals received from TV through the audio transformer. Low impedance output windings (lower gauge or thicker wires) are used for connection to TV side while high-impedance windings are connected to IR transmitter. This IR transmitter can be powered from a 9V mains adapter or a 9V battery. Red LED (D1) in transmitter circuit functions as a Zener diode (0.65V) as well as supply-on indicator.

Transmitter diagram:

Wireless Audio Power Amplifier Transmitter Circuit Diagram

Receiver's operation:

IR receiver uses popular op-amp IC µA741 and audio-frequency amplifier IC LM386 along with phototransistor L14F1 (Q3) and some discrete components. The sound generated by TV set is transmitted through IR LEDs, received by phototransistor Q3 and fed to pin 2 of IC µA741 (IC1). Its gain can be varied using potmeter P2. The output of IC µA741 is fed to IC LM386 (IC2) via capacitor (C7) and potmeter P3. The sound produced is heard through the receiver’s loudspeaker. Potmeter P3 is used to control the volume of loudspeaker SPKR (8-ohm, 1W).

Receiver diagram:

Wireless Audio Power Amplifier Transmitter Circuit Diagram

Parts:

P1 = 10K
P3 = 10K
P2 = 1M

R1 = 4.7K
R2 = 22K
R3 = 100R
R4 = 10R-1W
R5 = 10K
R6 = 10K
R7 = 15K
R8 = 15K
R9 = 100K
R10 = 680R-1W
R11 = 1K
R12 = 10R-1W

C1 = 220uF-25V
C2 = 220uF-25V
C3 = 10uF-25V
C4 = 220uF-25V
C5 = 220uF-25V
C6 = 100nF-63V
C7 = 100nF-63V
C8 = 100nF-63V
C9 = 100nF-63V

D1 = Red LED
D2 = IR LEDs
D3 = IR LEDs

Q1 = BC547
Q2 = BD140
Q3 = L14F1

IC1 = uA741 Opamp
IC2 = LM386

J1 = Audio input Jack
T1 = Audio Transformer
SPKR = 1W-8ohm

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8 Watt Audio Power Amplifier Schematic

Useful circuit for self-powered speakers, Radios, TV, can be used as car power amplifier

Here is the schematic for an 8 watt audio power amplifier. This amp can be used as a simple booster, the heart of a more complicated amplifier or used as a guitar amp. It is very small and portable unit and can be powered through 12V battery. I built the circuit on a Vero Board and had to add extra inductors, capacitors and resistors to prevent oscillation.
Circuit diagram:

8 Watt Audio Power Amplifier Circuit Diagram

Parts:
R1 = 47K
R2 = 2.2R/1W
R3 = 220R/1W
R4 = 2.2R/1W
C1 = 100nF-63V
C2 = 10uF-25V
C3 = 470uF-25V
C4 = 2000uF-25V
C5 = 100nF-63V
IC1 = LM383
SPKR = 4ohm/8W

Notes:

• IC1 must be installed on a heat sink.
• C1 is for filtering and to prevent oscillation and should not be omitted.
• The circuit can be built on a Vero Board, universal solder board or PC board, the PC board is preferred.
• The circuit draws about 880Ma at 12 V.
• By swapping the values of R2 and R3; you can turn this amplifier into a guitar amp with no preamp required.
• If you can't find 2000uF, then replace C4 with a 2200uF unit.
• If you add a 0.2uF capacitor in series with a 1 ohm resistor to the output you can prevent oscillation of the circuit under certain conditions.

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A Hiqh Quality Headphone Amplifier Schematic

Low distortion Class-B circuitry, 6V Battery Operated

Some lovers of High Fidelity headphone listening prefer the use of battery powered headphone amplifiers, not only for portable units but also for home "table" applications. This design is intended to fulfill their needs. An improved output driving capability is gained by making this a push-pull Class-B arrangement. Output power can reach 100mW RMS into a 16 Ohm load at 6V supply with low standing and mean current consumption, allowing long battery duration.
Circuit diagram:

High Quality Headphone Amplifier Circuit Diagram

Parts:

Resistors:
P1 = 22K Potentiometer
R1 = 15K Resistor
R2 = 100K Resistor
R3 = 100K Resistor
R4 = 47K Resistor
R5 = 470R Resistor
R6 = 500R Resistor
R7 = 1K Resistor
R8 = 18K Resistor
R9 = 18K Resistor
R10 = 2.2R Resistor
R11 = 2.2R Resistor
R12 = 33R Resistor
R13 = 4.7K Resistor

Capacitors:
C1 = 10uF-25V Capacitors
C2 = 10uF-25V Capacitors
C3 = 100nF-63V (PF)
C4 = 220uF-25V Capacitors
C5 = 100nF-63V (PF)
C6 = 220uF-25V Capacitors

Semiconductors:
Q1 = BC560C PNP Transistor
Q2 = BC560C PNP Transistor
Q3 = BC550C NPN Transistor
Q4 = BC550C NPN Transistor
Q5 = BC560C PNP Transistor
Q6 = BC327 PNP Transistor
Q7 = BC337 NPN Transistor

Miscellaneous:
J1 = RCA Audio Input Socket
J2 = 3mm Stereo Jack Socket
B1 = 6V Battery Rechargeable
SW1=SPST Slide or Toggle Switch

Notes:

• For a Stereo version of this circuit, all parts must be doubled except P1, SW1, J2 and B1.
• Before setting quiescent current rotate the volume control P1 to the minimum, Trimmer R6 to maximum resistance and Trimmer R3 to about the middle of its travel.
• Connect a suitable headphone set or, better, a 33 Ohm 1/2W resistor to the amplifier output.
• Switch on the supply and measure the battery voltage with a Multimeter set to about 10Vdc fsd.
• Connect the Multimeter across the positive end of C4 and the negative ground.
• Rotate R3 in order to read on the Multimeter display exactly half of the battery voltage previously measured.
• Switch off the supply, disconnect the Multimeter and reconnect it, set to measure about 10mA fsd, in series to the positive supply of the amplifier.
• Switch on the supply and rotate R6 slowly until a reading of about 3mA is displayed.
• Check again the voltage at the positive end of C4 and readjust R3 if necessary.
• Wait about 15 minutes, watch if the current is varying and readjust if necessary.
• Those lucky enough to reach an oscilloscope and a 1 KHz sine wave generator can drive the amplifier to the maximum output power and adjust R3 in order to obtain a symmetrical clipping of the sine wave displayed.

Technical data:
Output power (1 KHz sine wave):

• 16 Ohm: 100mW RMS
• 32 Ohm: 60mW RMS
• 64 Ohm: 35mW RMS
• 100 Ohm: 22.5mW RMS
• 300 Ohm: 8.5mW RMS

Sensitivity:

• 160mV input for 1V RMS output into 32 Ohm load (31mW)
• 200mV input for 1.27V RMS output into 32 Ohm load (50mW)

Frequency response @ 1V RMS:

• Flat from 45Hz to 20 KHz, -1dB @ 35Hz, -2dB @ 24Hz

Total harmonic distortion into 16 Ohm load @ 1 KHz:

• 1V RMS (62mW) 0.015% 1.27V RMS (onset of clipping, 100mW) 0.04%

Total harmonic distortion into 16 Ohm load @ 10 KHz:

• 1V RMS (62mW) 0.05% 1.27V RMS (onset of clipping, 100mW) 0.1%
• Unconditionally stable on capacitive loads

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30 Watt Audio Power Amplifier Schematic

Including Preamp, Tone Controls, Reg dc Power Supply, 18 Watt into 8 Ohm - 30W into 4 Ohm loads

This project was a sort of challenge: designing an audio amplifier capable of delivering a decent output power with a minimum parts count, without sacrificing quality. The Power Amplifier section employs only three transistors and a handful of resistors and capacitors in a shunt feedback configuration but can deliver more than 18W into 8 Ohm with 0.08% THD @ 1KHz at the onset of clipping (0.04% @ 1W - 1KHz and 0.02% @ 1W - 10KHz) and up to 30W into a 4 Ohm load.
To obtain such a performance and to ensure overall stability of this very simple circuitry, a suitable regulated dc power supply is mandatory. This is not a snag because it also helps in keeping noise and hum of the preamp to very low levels and guarantees a predictable output power into different load impedance. Finally, as the amplifier requires only a single rail supply, a very good dc voltage regulator capable of supplying more than 2 Amps @ 40V can be implemented with a few parts also.

Circuit diagram:

Audio Power Amplifier Circuit Diagram

Power Amplifier Parts:

R1 = 2K2 1/4W Resistor
R2 = 27K 1/4W Resistor
R3 = 2K2 1/2W Trimmers Cermet
R4 = 2K2 1/2W Trimmers Cermet
R5 = 100R 1/4W Resistor
R6 = 1K 1/4W Resistor
R7 = 330R 1/4W Resistors
R8 = 330R 1/4W Resistors

C1 = 22µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
C2 = 47pF 63V Polystyrene or Ceramic Capacitor
C3 = 100µF 50V Electrolytic Capacitors
C4 = 100µF 50V Electrolytic Capacitors
C5 = 2200µF 50V Electrolytic Capacitor

Q1 = BC550C 45V 100mA Low noise High gain NPN Transistor
Q2 = IRF530 100V 14A N-Channel Hexfet Transistor (or MTP12N10)
Q3 = IRF9530 100V 12A P-Channel Hexfet Transistor (or MTP12P10)

Setting up the Power Amplifier:

1. The setup of this amplifier must be done carefully and with no haste:
2. Connect the Power Supply Unit (previously tested separately) to the Power Amplifier but not the Preamp: the input of the Power Amplifier must be left open.
3. Rotate the cursor of R4 fully towards Q1 Collector.
4. Set the cursor of R3 to about the middle of its travel.
5. Connect a suitable loudspeaker or a 8 Ohm 20W resistor to the amplifier output.
6. Connect a Multimeter, set to measure about 50V fsd, across the positive end of C5 and the negative ground.
7. Switch on the supply and rotate R3 very slowly in order to read about 23V on the Multimeter display.
8. Switch off the supply, disconnect the Multimeter and reconnect it, set to measure at least 1Amp fsd, in series to the positive supply (the possible use of a second Multimeter in this place will be very welcomed).
9. Switch on the supply and rotate R4 very slowly until a reading of about 120mA is displayed.
10. Check again the voltage at the positive end of C5 and readjust R3 if necessary.
11. If R3 was readjusted, R4 will surely require some readjustment.
12. Wait about 15 minutes, watch if the current is varying and readjust if necessary.
13. Please note that R3 and R4 are very sensitive: very small movements will cause rather high voltage or current variations, so be careful.
14. Those lucky enough to reach an oscilloscope and a 1KHz sine wave generator, can drive the amplifier to the maximum output power and adjust R3 in order to obtain a symmetrical clipping of the sine wave displayed.

Preamplifier Section:
The Preamp sensitivity and overload margin were designed to cope with most modern music program sources like CD players, Tape recorders, iPods, Computer audio outputs, Tuners etc. The source selecting switches and input connectors are not shown and their number and arrangement are left to the constructor's choice. To obtain a very high input overload margin, the volume control was placed at the preamp input.
After a unity gain, impedance converter stage (Q1) a negative-feedback Baxandall-type Bass and Treble tone control stage was added. As this stage must provide some gain (about 5.6 times) a very low noise, "bootstrapped" two-transistors circuitry with FET-input was implemented. This stage features also excellent THD figures up to 4V RMS output and a low output impedance, necessary to drive properly the Mini-MosFet Power Amplifier, but can also be used for other purposes.

Circuit diagram:

Preamplifier Circuit Diagram For Power Amplifier

Preamplifier Parts:

P1 = 50K - Log. Potentiometer
P2 = 100K - Linear Potentiometers
P3 = 100K - Linear Potentiometers
(twin concentric-spindle dual gang for stereo)

R1 = 220K - 1/4W Resistor
R2 = 100K - 1/4W Resistor
R3 = 2K7 - 1/4W Resistor
R4 = 8K2 - 1/4W Resistors
R5 = 8K2 - 1/4W Resistors
R6 = 4K7 - 1/4W Resistor
R7 = 2K2 - 1/4W Resistors
R8 = 2K2 - 1/4W Resistors
R9 = 2M2 - 1/4W Resistor
R10 = 47K - 1/4W Resistor
R11 = 47K - 1/4W Resistor
R12 = 33K - 1/4W Resistor
R13 = 2K2 - 1/4W Resistors
R14 = 470R - 1/4W Resistor
R15 = 10K - 1/4W Resistor
R16 = 3K3 - 1/4W Resistor (See Notes)

C1 = 470nF - 63V Polyester Capacitors
C2 = 470nF - 63V Polyester Capacitors
C3 = 47nF - 63V Polyester Capacitors
C4 = 47nF - 63V Polyester Capacitors
C5 = 6n8 - 63V Polyester Capacitors
C6 = 6n8 - 63V Polyester Capacitors
C7 = 10µF - 63V Electrolytic Capacitor
C8 = 22µF - 25V Electrolytic Capacitors
C9 = 470nF - 63V Polyester Capacitors
C10 = 22µF - 25V Electrolytic Capacitors
C11 = 470µF - 25V Electrolytic Capacitor (See Notes)

Q1 = BC550C - 45V 100mA Low noise High gain NPN Transistors
Q2 = 2N3819 - General-purpose N-Channel FET
Q3 = BC550C - 45V 100mA Low noise High gain NPN Transistors

Power Supply Section:
A very good and powerful Regulated Power Supply section was implemented by simply adding a PNP power transistor to the excellent LM317T adjustable regulator chip. In this way this circuit was able to deliver much more than the power required to drive two Mini-MosFet amplifiers to full output (at least 2Amp @ 40V into 4 Ohm load) without any appreciable effort.
Circuit diagram:

Regulated Power Supply Circuit Diagram

Power Supply Parts:

R1 = 3R9 - 2W Resistor
R2 = 22R - 1/4W Resistor
R3 = 6K8 - 1/4W Resistor
R4 = 220R - 1/4W Resistor
R5 = 4K7 - 1/2W Resistor

C1 = 4700µF - 50V Electrolytic Capacitor
C2 = 100nF - 63V Polyester Capacitors
C3 = 10µF - 63V Electrolytic Capacitor
C4 = 220µF - 50V Electrolytic Capacitor
C5 = 100nF - 63V Polyester Capacitors

D1 = Diode bridge - 100V 4A
D2 = 1N4002 - 200V 1A Diode
D3 = LED - Any type and color

SW2 = SPST - Mains switch
IC1 = LM317T - 3-Terminal Adjustable Regulator
PL1 = Male Mains plug with cord

Q1 = TIP42A - 60V 6A PNP Transistor
T1 = 230V Primary, 35-36V (Center-tapped) Secondary,
50-75VA Mains transformer (See Notes)

Notes:

• Q2 and Q3 in the Power Amplifier must be mounted each on a finned heatsink of at least 80x40x25mm.
• Q1 and IC1 in the Regulated Power Supply must be mounted on a finned heatsink of at least 45x40x17mm.
• A power Transformer having a secondary winding rated at 35 - 36V and 50VA (i.e. about 1.4Amp) is required if you intend to use Loudspeaker cabinets of 8 Ohm nominal impedance. To drive 4 Ohm loads at high power levels, a 70 - 75VA Transformer (2Amp at least) will be a better choice. These transformers are usually center tapped: the central lead will be obviously left open.
• For the stereo version of this project, R16 and C11 in the Preamp will be in common to both channels: therefore, only one item each is necessary. In this case, R16 must be a 1K5 1/2W resistor. The value of C11 will remain unchanged.

Technical data:
Output power:

• 18 Watt RMS into 8 Ohm (1KHz sine wave) - 30 Watt RMS into 4 Ohm

Input sensitivity of the complete Amplifier:

• 160mV RMS for full output

Power Amplifier Input sensitivity:

• 900mV RMS for full output

Power Amplifier Frequency response @ 1W RMS:

• flat from 40Hz to 20KHz, -0.7dB @ 30Hz, -1.7dB @ 20Hz

Power Amplifier Total harmonic distortion @ 1KHz:

• 100mW 0.04% 1W 0.04% 10W 0.06% 18W 0.08%

Power Amplifier Total harmonic distortion @10KHz:

• 100mW 0.02% 1W 0.02% 10W 0.05% 18W 0.12%
• Unconditionally stable on capacitive loads

Preamp Maximum output voltage:

• 4V RMS

Preamp Frequency response:

• flat from 20Hz to 20KHz

Preamp Total harmonic distortion @ 1KHz:

• 1V RMS 0.007% 3V RMS 0.035%

Preamp Total harmonic distortion @10KHz:

• 1V RMS 0.007% 3V RMS 0.02%

Bass control frequency range referred to 1KHz:

• ±20dB @ 40Hz

Treble control frequency range referred to 1KHz:

• +18dB/-20dB @ 20KHz

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