BT 50Wx2 Class D Amp board in a custom box

[harum]

Hello, I want to put a Bluetooth TPA3116D2-based Amp board into a diy mdf or wooden box with inside dimensions 5" x 5" x 2" instead of the boring aluminum box of about the same size it comes in.

I've read that the chip might get very hot. Was wondering if I have to make holes in the box to help with heat dissipation or a sealed box would be fine? What is the general rule?

Thanks, h

 

[cacao ambiance]

i think tpa3116 fine in sealed box. doesn't get that hot in the uk. if your living in 40°C temperatures! :O then idk

 

[harum]

Thanks, cacao! To be on the safe side, I'm leaning towards drilling a few holes above the heat sink and a few in the bottom for the heat to escape. Or, if I find them, put tiny grills in the top and bottom. The board was originally in an aluminum case, and I want to put it in a small sealed mdf box.

 

[made2hack]

Do you have any concerns about shielding? The aluminium case might help in that regards.

 

[harum]

Made2hack, good point! I just want to get rid of the ugly aluminum box with the logo. Yes, will have to shield the amp somehow.

 

[harum]

There are a lot of diy Bluetooth portable speakers in all-wood enclosures using small amp boards with Bluetooth. Don't remember many of them mentioning shielding. Is it because the sound quality isn't expected to be high anyway? Or is it because these boards do not suffer from interference that much?

 

[made2hack]

I guess so. I've been having issues with an off the shelf TPA3116D2 (2x50W + 1x100W) board that I put into a metal case. It still gets interference from cell phones.

So I'm not sure exactly what to do yet.

 

[harum]

Thanks M2H!

If I keep the original aluminum case, would it be possible to put it inside a new wooden box, then extend the wires through the original case holes for the controls, BT antenna, audio outputs, power supply, etc. and install them at the new wooden back and front panels?