Texas Instruments TPA 311 Car Amplifier User Manual


 
The TPA311 Audio Power Amplifier Evaluation Module
3-5
Details
3.2.3 SIngle-Ended Operation
For single-ended operation, the module SE/BTL control input pin must be held
high. The speaker (or headphone) load is connected to the module OUT+
output pin through a coupling capacitor, and to platform/system ground. A
470-µF electrolytic coupling capacitor is provided on the platform in the signal
path to the headphone output jack for this purpose and a control signal from
the platform headphone jack can be routed to the module control input pin to
switch the TPA311 IC to the single-ended mode.
In the single-ended mode, the amplifier inside the TPA311 IC that drives the
OUT– line does not operate and does not dissipate any power. The OUT– pin
goes into a high-impedance state and can be left connected or allowed to float.
3.2.4 Module Gain
The TPA311 evaluation module can be set for an overall gain of between 2 and
22 by adjustment of the the on-board gain control, R4. The TPA311 amplifier
IC, as most other amplifiers, exhibits its best distortion and noise performance
at lower gain levels (see the TPA311 data sheet). Even so, the TPA311 at its
highest gain setting has significantly less distortion than most low-cost
speakers.
Gain versus total harmonic distortion (THD) should be considered in each
application. Both the module input signal level and the TPA311 module gain
should be adjusted to obtain the lowest overall distortion level for a particular
overall gain. A quick rule of thumb (everything else being equal): the module
input signal level should be as high as possible without clipping or overloading
the TPA311 input, and the TPA311 gain kept as low as possible.
3.2.5 Shutdown
When the shutdown terminal of the TPA311 amplifier IC is taken high, the IC
ceases operation and enters an ultra-low power state. This is accomplished
by applying a control signal to the module Shutdown pin or by pressing the
Shutdown switch, S1, on the module. When the control signal goes low or is
removed (or the switch is released), amplifier operation resumes.
The Plug-N-Play platform can generate the shutdown (mute) signal for the
module either when a plug is
inserted
into the platform headphone output jack
or when the plug is
removed
, as selected by a platform jumper (JP8).