MAXIM MAX9879 Stereo Class D Audio Subsystem with DirectDrive Headphone Amplifier Data Sheet User Manual
Summary
This high-efficiency stereo Class D audio subsystem is engineered for developers creating portable electronics, such as mobile phones and multimedia players. Featuring DirectDrive technology and robust speaker amplification, it delivers exceptional audio quality while maximizing battery life through single-supply operation. The accompanying manual provides comprehensive technical data, including detailed pinouts, performance characteristics, application circuits, and integration guidelines, ensuring seamless implementation of advanced sound features in tight spaces.
Page 1 Text Content
19-4436; Rev 0; 2/09
EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
Stereo Class D Audio Subsystem with Direct Drive Headphone Amplifier General Description Features
The MAX9879 combines a high-efficiency stereo Class D Better than 9d B Margin Under EN 55022 Class B audio power amplifier with a stereo capacitor-less Limits with No Filter Components Direct Drive® headphone amplifier. Maxim’s filterless class Low RF Susceptibility Design Rejects TDMA D amplifiers with active emissions limiting technology pro- Noise from GSM Radios vide Class AB performance with Class D efficiency.
Input Mixer with User Defined Input Mode
The Class D power amplifier delivers up to 715m W from Stereo 715m W Speaker Output (RL = 8Ω, a 3.7V supply into an 8Ω load with 88% efficiency to VDD = 3.7V) extend battery life. The filterless modulation scheme Stereo 58m W Headphone Output (16Ω, combined with active emission limiting circuitry and VDD = 3.7V) spread-spectrum modulation greatly reduces EMI while
Low 0.04% THD+N at 1k Hz (Class D Power
eliminating the need for output filtering used in tradition-
Amplifier)
al Class D devices.
Low 0.018% THD+N at 1k Hz (Headphone
The headphone amplifier delivers up to 58m W from Amplifier) a 3.7V supply into a 16Ω load. Maxim’s Direct Drive 88% Efficiency (RL = 8Ω, POUT = 750m W) architecture produces a ground-referenced output from
1.6Ω Analog Switch for Speaker Amplifier Bypass
a single supply, eliminating the need for large DC-
High Speaker Amplifier PSRR (72d B at 217Hz)
blocking capacitors, saving cost, space and compo-
High Headphone Amplifier PSRR (84d B at 217Hz)
nent height.
I2C Control
The device utilizes a user-defined input architecture,
Hardware and Software Shutdown Mode
three preamplifier gain settings, an input mixer, volume
Ultra-Low Click and Pop
control, comprehensive click-and-pop suppression, and
Robust Design with Current and Thermal
I2C control. A bypass mode feature disables the integrat-
Protection
ed Class D amplifier and utilizes an internal DPST switch
Available in Space-Saving Package
to allow an external amplifier to drive the speaker that is
5x6 UCSP (2.5mm x 3mm)
connected at the outputs of the MAX9879. The MAX9879 is available in a thermally efficient,
Ordering Information
space-saving 30-bump UCSP™ package.
Applications
PART TEMP RANGE PIN - PA C K A G E
Cell Phones Portable Multimedia Players
MAX9879ERV+ -40°C to +85°C 30 UCSP (5x6)
Direct Drive is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated +Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/Ro HS-compliant package. Products, Inc. UCSP is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Pin Configuration
Simplified Block Diagram
TOP VIEW
SINGLE SUPPLY
2.7V TO 5.5V (BUMP SIDE DOWN)
VOLUME
PREAMPLIFIER
CONTROL
OUTL- PVDDL OUTL+C1P PGNDR OUTR-
MIXER
RXIN- PGNDL RXIN+C1N PGNDR PVDDR
VOLUME
CONTROL
INTERFACE
GND GND GNDVSS GND OUTR+
BIAS INB1 INA1HPL SCL SDA
BYPASS
VDD INB2 INA2HPR SHDN VCCIO
MAX9879
Maxim Integrated Products
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
Page Summary Contents For MAXIM MAX9879 Stereo Class D Audio Subsystem with DirectDrive Headphone Amplifier Data Sheet User Manual
Manual Details
| Brand | Audio |
|---|---|
| Pages | 31 |
| File Size | 539.44 KB |
| Published | May 15, 2026 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What audio standards does the MAX9879 comply with?
It is compliant with EN 55022 Class B and features better than 9dB margins.
How much power can the device supply to speakers and headphones?
Speakers: Up to 715mW (R=8Ω). Headphones: Up to 58mW (16Ω) at a 3.7V supply.
Is external filtering needed for this Class D amplifier?
No, the filterless modulation scheme greatly reduces EMI while eliminating the need for output filtering used in traditional Class D devices.
Does the unit have built-in features to improve audio quality?
It includes comprehensive click-and-pop suppression and supports various control options like volume preamplifiers and an input mixer.