
MAX9708
20W/40W, Filterless, Spread-Spectrum,
Mono/Stereo, Class D Amplifier
14
Maxim Integrated
Linear Regulator (REG)
The supply voltage range for the MAX9708 is from 10V
to 18V to achieve high-output power. An internal linear
regulator reduces this voltage to 6.3V for use with
small-signal and digital circuitry that does not require a
high-voltage supply. Bypass a 0.01F capacitor from
REG to GND.
Applications Information
Logic Inputs
All of the digital logic inputs and output have an
absolute maximum rating of +12V. If the MAX9708 is
operating with a supply voltage between 10V and 12V,
digital inputs can be connected to PVDD or VDD. If
PVDD and VDD are greater than 12V, digital inputs and
outputs must connected to a digital system supply
lower than 12V.
Input Amplifier
Differential Input
The MAX9708 features a differential input structure,
making them compatible with many CODECs, and
offering improved noise immunity over a single-ended
input amplifier. In devices such as flat-panel displays,
noisy digital signals can be picked up by the amplifier’s
inputs. These signals appear at the amplifiers’ inputs as
common-mode noise. A differential input amplifier
amplifies only the difference of the two inputs, while any
signal common to both inputs is attenuated.
Single-Ended Input
The MAX9708 can be configured as a single-ended
input amplifier by capacitively coupling either input to
GND and driving the other input (Figure 4).
Component Selection
Input Filter
An input capacitor, CIN, in conjunction with the input
impedance of the MAX9708, forms a highpass filter that
removes the DC bias from an incoming signal. The AC-
coupling capacitor allows the amplifier to bias the signal
to an optimum DC level. Assuming zero-source imped-
ance, the -3dB point of the highpass filter is given by:
Choose CIN so that f-3dB is well below the lowest fre-
quency of interest. Setting f-3dB too high affects the
low-frequency response of the amplifier. Use capaci-
tors with dielectrics that have low-voltage coefficients,
such as tantalum or aluminum electrolytic. Capacitors
with high-voltage coefficients, such as ceramics, may
result in increased distortion at low frequencies.
Output Filter
The MAX9708 does not require an output filter.
However, output filtering can be used if a design is fail-
ing radiated emissions due to board layout or cable
length, or the circuit is near EMI-sensitive devices.
Refer to the MAX9708 Evaluation Kit for suggested filter
topologies. The tuning and component selection of the
filter should be optimized for the load. A purely resistor
load (8
Ω) used for lab testing will require different com-
ponents than a real, complex load-speaker load.
Charge-Pump Capacitor Selection
The MAX9708 has an internal charge-pump converter
that produces a voltage level for internal circuitry. It
requires a flying capacitor (C1) and a holding capacitor
(C2). Use capacitors with an ESR less than 100m
Ω for
optimum performance. Low-ESR ceramic capacitors
minimize the output resistance of the charge pump. For
best performance over the extended temperature
range, select capacitors with an X7R dielectric. The
capacitors’ voltage rating must be greater than 36V.
f
RC
dB
IN
=
3
1
2
π
Figure 4. Single-Ended Input Connections
INR+
INR-
MAX9708
1
μF
1
μF