Simple little Class-D modules (V-MODULE VMA2015)

[theAnonymous1]

Haven't seen anything like this before; little micro Class-D modules with almost no external components required. Obviously not a candidate for any Hi-Fi awards, but interesting none the less.

DealExtreme: $7.80 VMA2015 15W Mono Audio Amplifier Module

http://v-module.com/file/20100702110642-DS_VMA2015.pdf

[newtonian]

looks like a nice products. I have bought 2 boards and 6 chips from DX, looking forward to receive them soon.

[newtonian]

oh...I bought VMA2016 board, not vma2015.

[small t]

hmmm...I'm using vma2012 on my MP3 now, nice! I saw the datasheet of vma2015. It seems that I should buy another module. jaja!!

[PedroDaGr8]

Hmm I saw these a few months ago. Didn't realize they were class D. Heh, DX shipping takes a long time. Sucks, but their prices are killer. Especially since they are one of the few places with great prices on REAL Cree, SSC and occasionally Lumiled LEDs.

[nigelwright7557]

Originally Posted by theAnonymous1

Haven't seen anything like this before; little micro Class-D modules with almost no external components required. Obviously not a candidate for any Hi-Fi awards, but interesting none the less.

DealExtreme: $7.80 VMA2015 15W Mono Audio Amplifier Module

http://v-module.com/file/20100702110642-DS_VMA2015.pdf

One of the biggest advantages of class d is there is usually no requirement for heatsink. This also means the amp takes up less room and is lighter.

[Slipstreem]

If anyone is interested in more details, take a look at THIS datasheet. The VMA2015 contains a MAX9703, and the VMA2016 contains a MAX9704. I got this information direct from V-module.

I have THIS dual VMA2015 evaluation board on order from Deal Extreme and will be back with more details when it arrives.

Regarding theAnonymous1's comment on the VMA2015 not being a serious Hi-Fi contender, I guess it depends how a person defines 'Hi-Fi', but the datasheet for the MAX9703 clearly shows that the device can deliver up to 7W RMS into an 8 Ohm load from a 20V supply with less than 0.05% THD+N at 1kHz, and it stays below 0.2% up to 13Watts RMS under the same conditions.

The frequency response isn't actually quoted in the datasheet, although an A-weighted noise figure is given between 22Hz and 22kHz of 97dB in FFM mode (which is what these modules use) relative to 10W into 8 Ohms, so I'd call it Hi-Fi personally, assuming it has a full 20kHz bandwidth.

[theAnonymous1]

Originally Posted by Slipstreem

The VMA2015 contains a MAX9703, and the VMA2016 contains a MAX9704.

That's interesting, and yet a bit disappointing.

Glad I didn't bother purchasing any of these V-MODULEs. I already have those MAXIM ICs and don't need someone else to package them up in a module with a couple surface mount capacitors for me.

[Slipstreem]

I guess the value-for-money perspective depends on where a person's looking from, and whether or not they can deal with 32-pin TQFN packages at home.

As will be true for many of us, I have no way of directly soldering to TQFN packages, and the only supplier I can find here in the UK selling the MAX9703 to the public is Farnell (although there may be others) who charge far more per device when you include P&P than Deal Extreme charge to supply and ship the V-modules over here from Hong Kong.

As it's both cheaper and more convenient for me, I fail to see the problem.

[theAnonymous1]

Originally Posted by Slipstreem

As it's both cheaper and more convenient for me, I fail to see the problem.

Point taken; but I was speaking for myself really. TQFN is no problem here.

I'm happy with my TPA3106D1 boards anyway and haven't had the urge to experiment with the MAXIMs.