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Class-D Speaker Amplifiers have higher efficiency and lower power consumption than that of Class-AB Speaker Amplifiers, resulting in less heat generation. However Class-D Speaker Amplifiers have the disadvantage of requiring more external components because an LC filter is generally inserted at the output terminal to eliminate the carrier frequency of PWM. For small output Speaker Amplifiers of around 2 W, it is recommended to use class-D Speaker Amplifier if low power consumption is important. On the otherhand, if reduction of external components is important then class-AB Speaker Amplifier is recommended. For Speaker Amplifiers with medium or higher output power, such as those with output power exceeding 5 W, the Class-AB Speaker Amplifiers may require a heat sink for heat dissipation, which may not reduce the mounting area. Also, since Class-AB Speaker Amplifiers with a linear drive system have better EMI∗1 characteristics than Class-D amplifiers with a pulse drive system, this point should also be taken into consideration when making a selection.
EMI∗1 Abbreviation for Electro Magnetic Interference. Electromagnetic interference is when radio waves or high-frequency electromagnetic waves affect electronic equipment as noise. EMC is also referred to as Electro Magnetic Susceptibility (EMS), which is the ability not to be disturbed by electromagnetic interference.
