Class D

Definition

Class D amplifiers are those that output a switching waveform, at a frequency far higher than the highest audio signal that needs to be reproduced. The low-pass filtered, average value of this waveform corresponds to the actual required audio waveform.

Class D amplifiers are highly efficient (often up to 90% or higher) since the output transistors are either fully turned on or off during operation. This completely eliminates the use of the linear region of the transistor which is responsible for the inefficiency of other amplifier types. Modern Class D amplifiers achieve fidelity comparable to class AB.

Synonyms