Class D is just Dandy!

So, to those confused by Class D vs. Digital, to be "digital" you have to convert or have the signal as an integer to describe the waveform. Like the digits in a CD track. This is "digitization" or converting an analog signal into a series of digits.

Class D does NOT do this conversion, but the amplifier IS switched on and off. :)

It’s confusing because what happens is that the comparator keeps the switch ON or OFF more or less in proportion to the incoming signal. This is why feedback is so important and completely different in a Class D amp vs. linear. The feedback IS essentially the only way the amp has to control the output signal, however this feedback takes different shapes. The more global the feedback, the more accurate the output.

It’s a subtle but important distinction.

Here is a list of Bruno's papers, I encourage you to read them, as I am sure I made mistakes, and the guy is one of the celebrated Class D amp designers of our time.

https://www.diyclassd.com/p/application-notes-white-papers/

Best,

E

George,

Nice try I've read it all many times before.

What are we going to do with you?

Bruno never calls his modules digital,class "D" was just the next letter in the alphabet that hadn't been used yet.

I know that tomorrow I will get too listen for 6hrs of wonderful non fatiguing class d amplified music.

Kenny.

I love the use of a page of 10 year old quotes about a developing technology.

Beyond that, the article may only prove that all those famous designers didn't succeed in producing a good Class D amp. Only shows that they couldn't do it - not that it can't be done. As Bruno points out, it's a different engineering knowledge and skill set that many audio designers don't have.

Kenny.

I’m afraid I’m guilty of saying "Digital" vs. "linear" when I should stick to Class D instead, so my bad. :)

And yes, those quotes and tech are stale as hell. No wonder George can’t enjoy digital amps, all the stories he reads about them are a decade old and he can't trust his own ears.

Erik

randy,

See if you can connect with @h2oaudio he makes Class D with linear power supplies. They sound pretty sweet.

Erik