A Randomized Modulation scheme for filterless digital Class D audio amplifiers

We propose to employ the Randomized Wrapped-Around Pulse Position Modulation scheme (RWAPPM) to mitigate the switching-frequency harmonics at the output signal of filterless digital Class D audio amplifiers. The conventional Pulse Width Modulation schemes (PWMs) typically have a non-zero common-mode voltage that contributes to the radiated Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), and generate high switching-frequency harmonics that dissipate extra power at the speaker and also contribute to the radiated EMI. We simulate and compare the RWAPPM (2-level) against the PWMs and a reported randomized modulation scheme. The 2-level RWAPPM has zero common-mode voltage, and amongst the modulation schemes, it features the highest attenuation of the switching-frequency harmonics, highest out-of-band Spurious Free Dynamic Range (22 dBc), and a relatively high Signal to Noise and Distortion Ratio (57 dB) at the output voltage.

[1]  P.P. Siniscalchi,et al.  A 20 W/Channel Class-D Amplifier With Near-Zero Common-Mode Radiated Emissions , 2009, IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits.

[2]  G. Temes Delta-sigma data converters , 1994 .

[3]  R. Schreier,et al.  Delta-sigma data converters : theory, design, and simulation , 1997 .

[4]  Takashi Kimura,et al.  A class-D amplifier using a spectrum shaping technique [audio power amplifier] , 2004, Proceedings of the IEEE 2004 Custom Integrated Circuits Conference (IEEE Cat. No.04CH37571).

[5]  Bah-Hwee Gwee,et al.  A Randomized Wrapped-Around Pulse Position Modulation Scheme for DC–DC Converters , 2010, IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers.

[6]  Bah-Hwee Gwee,et al.  A Low-Voltage Micropower Digital Class-D Amplifier Modulator for Hearing Aids , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers.

[7]  Yen-Shin Lai,et al.  Novel Random-Switching PWM Technique With Constant Sampling Frequency and Constant Inductor Average Current for Digitally Controlled Converter , 2013, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[8]  Anthony Gribben,et al.  True Filterless Class-D Audio Amplifier , 2011, IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits.

[9]  Aleksandar M. Stankovic,et al.  Randomized modulation in power electronic converters , 2002, Proc. IEEE.