Incorporated PAM8610-based class D amplifier
module offering up to 10W RMS in a package just a
little bigger than a quarter (Photo 2). Next, there’s a
pair of amplifiers based on the Tripath TA2024 "class
T" amplifier chip: the model TA2024 board shown in
Photo 3; and the Dayton Audio DTA- 2 digital audio
amplifier module shown in Photo 4. Both these boards
deliver up to 15W RMS output power.
The smallest option (the PAM8610) has a completely
integrated tiny package which makes it great for any place
space is a factor — like wearables or ultra-portable
accessories. The Dayton Audio DTA- 2 has flexible
mounting options with a two-board design connected by a
ribbon cable and with all the controls onboard, but does
require four solder connections to assemble it.
Lastly, the model TA2024 comes with no onboard
controls at all — just a three-pin connector and screw
terminals which would work well in a system with an
external volume control, or where the signal level is
controlled by another active device like a microcontroller
or single-board computer.
The Test Setup
In addition to hooking them up for a listen, I
measured each of these amplifier modules with a Keithley
2015 THD multimeter using its internal source as the
signal generator, and a Sencore PA81 stereo power
amplifier analyzer for output meters and load resistors
(Photo 5). The pulse output from the generator served as
the external trigger control for the Rigol DS1102E digital
oscilloscope to keep an eye on the waveforms during
testing. I powered the modules with a 12V 10A regulated
switching power supply (Photo 6).
All of these modules are primarily designed to power
a four ohm load, but are generally happy with eight ohm
March 2015 47
By J.W. Koebel
Post comments on this article at www.nutsvolts.com/index.php?/magazine/article/march2015_Koebel.
PHOTO 2.
The
PAM8610
amplifier
module,
with its all
surface-mount
construction.
PHOTO 3. The model TA2024 amplifier module.
PHOTO 4. The DTA- 2 digital audio amplifier module.
PAM8610 2x10 Class D Audio Amplifier Board
$11.80
T-Amp Tripath TA2024 2x15W Audio Digital Amplifier Board
$13.80
Dayton Audio DTA- 2 Class T Digital Audio Amplifier Module
$19.80
PHOTO 5. My test
stack: Top, Rigol
DS1102E digital
oscilloscope; middle,
Keithley 2015 THD
multimeter; bottom,
Sencore PA81 stereo
power amplifier
analyzer.
