
ATA-120
This is preliminary information on a new product. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
129 Morgan Drive, Norwood, MA 02062
voice: (781) 551-9450
CONTROLLED DOCUMENT: P_903-000009_Rev14 ATA-120 Data Sheet.doc
fax: (781) 440-9528
email: apogee@apogeeddx.com
DRN: PRELIMINARY Page 9 of 13
2
11
L
2
2
0
C
R
L
f
R
Q
LOAD
LOAD
×
×
=
×
×
=
π
Equation 8
where f
0
is the characteristic frequency in Hz. The use of an L-C filter with a Q between 0.7 and 1 gives the
smoothest performance.
The actual output ripple and noise is affected by the type of inductor and capacitor used in the L-C filter. Use a
film capacitor for C11 and an inductor for L2 with sufficient power handling capability to supply the output current
to the load. The inductor should exhibit soft saturation characteristics. If the inductor exhibits hard saturation, it
should operate well below the saturation current. Gapped ferrite, MPP, Powdered Iron, or similar type toroidal
cores are recommended. If open or shielded bobbin ferrite cores are used for multi-channel designs, make sure
that the start windings of each inductor line up (all starts going toward POUT pin, or all starts going toward the
output) to prevent crosstalk or other channel-to-channel interference.
5.4 Output Coupling Capacitor
The combination of the coupling capacitor, C38, and the load resistance results in a first-order high-pass filter.
The capacitor, C38, serves to block DC voltages and thus passes only the amplified AC signal from the L-C filter
to the load. The value of C38 should be selected such that the output corner frequency (
f
OUT
) is at or below the
lowest required audio frequency. The output corner frequency, f
OUT
, (-3dB point) can be approximated as:
1
C
R
LOAD
×
×
×
π
38
2
f
OUT
=
Equation 9
The output coupling capacitor carries the full load current, so a low ESR capacitor type should be chosen such
that its ripple current rating is greater than the maximum AC load current. Low ESR aluminum electrolytic
capacitors are recommended.
5.5 Input Coupling Capacitor
The input coupling capacitor, C3, is used to pass only the AC signal at the input. In a typical system application,
the source input signal is typically centered around the circuit ground, while the ATA-120 input is at half the power
supply voltage (V
DD
/2). The input coupling capacitor transmits the AC signal from the source to the ATA-120
while blocking the DC voltage. Choose an input coupling capacitor such that the corner frequency (f
IN
) is less
than the passband frequency. The corner frequency is:
1
C
R
×
×
×
π
5.6 Power Source
3
3
2
f
IN
=
Equation 10
For maximum output power, the amplifier circuit requires a regulated external power source to supply the power
to the amplifier. The higher the power supply voltage, the more power can be delivered to a given load
resistance. However, if the power source voltage exceeds the maximum operating voltage of 26V, the ATA-120
could sustain damage. The power supply rejection of the ATA-120 is good, however noise at the power supply
can get to the output, so care must be taken to minimize power supply noise within the pass-band frequencies.
Bypass the power supply with a large capacitor (typically aluminum electrolytic) along with a smaller 1μF ceramic
capacitor at the ATA-120 V
DD
supply pins.
5.7 Circuit Layout
The circuit layout is critical for optimum performance and low output distortion and noise. Place the following
components as close to the ATA-120 as possible:
Power supply bypass, C7.
C7 carries the transient current for the switching input stage. To prevent
overstressing of the ATA-120 and excessive noise at the output, place the power supply bypass capacitor as
close to pins 6 (VDD) and 8 (PGND) as possible.