General Description
The MAX9756 evaluation kit (EV kit) is a fully assembled
and tested circuit board that evaluates the MAX9756.
The MAX9756 is a Class AB amplifier designed to drive
stereo bridge-tied-load (BTL) speakers and a stereo
headphone in portable audio applications. The speaker
amplifiers operate from a 4.5VDC to 5.5VDC power sup-
ply, and deliver 2 x 2.3W into a pair of 3speakers. The
DirectDrive™ headphone amplifiers operate from a
3VDC to 5.5VDC power supply, and deliver 130mW
continuous power into a 16stereo headphone.
The MAX9756 features an automatic level control (ALC)
on the speaker amplifiers, a 31-step analog volume
control, an audible alert input (BEEP), jumper-selec-
table gain, and a 150mA linear regulator.
The MAX9756 evaluation kit can be used to evaluate the
features of the MAX9757 and MAX9758 only. A replace-
ment of the MAX9757/MAX9758 IC is not possible. See
the Evaluating the MAX9757/MAX9758 Features section.
Features
4.5VDC to 5.5VDC Single-Supply Operation
Drives 2 x 2.3W into a Pair of 3Speakers
Drives 130mW into a 16Stereo Headphone
Automatic Level Control on Speaker Amplifiers
Analog Volume Control
150mA Linear Regulator
Beep Input with Glitch Filter
Fully Assembled and Tested
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products 1
19-3989; Rev 0; 2/06
Component List
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
Ordering Information
*This limited temperature range is for the EV kit PC board only.
The MAX9756 IC temperature range is -40°C to +85°C.
**EP = Exposed paddle.
PART TEMP RANGE IC PACKAGE
MAX9756EVKIT 0°C to +70°C*
36 Thin QFN-EP**
DESIGNATION QTY DESCRIPTION
REQUIRED COMPONENTS
C11
100µF ±20%, 6.3V X5R ceramic
capacitor (1210)
AVX 12106D107MAT
Murata GRM32ER60J107M
TDK C3225JB0J107M
C2, C3 2
0.47µF ±20%, 20V tantalum
capacitors (R-case)
AVX TAJR474M020
C4 1
1µF ±10%, 10V X5R ceramic
capacitor (0603)
Kemet C0603C105K8PAC
Murata GRM188R61A105K
TDK C1608X5R1A105K
C5, C9, C10,
C11 4
1µF ±10%, 10V X5R ceramic
capacitors (0603)
Kemet C0603C105K8PAC
Murata GRM188R61A105K
TDK C1608X5R1A105K
C6, C7, C8,
C12C16 8
1µF ±10%, 6.3V X5R ceramic
capacitors (0402)
Kemet C0402C105K9PAC
Murata GRM155R60J105K
TDK C1005JB0J105K
DESIGNATION QTY DESCRIPTION
REQUIRED COMPONENTS
C17†† 1
0.033µF ±10%, 16V X7R ceramic
capacitor (0402)
Kemet C0402C333K4RAC
Murata GRM155R71C333K
TDK C1005JB1C333K
J1 1 3.5mm switched stereo jack
R1 1 47k ±5% resistor (0603)
R3 0 Not installed, resistor (0603)
U1 1 MAX9756ETX (36-pin TQFN, 6mm x
6mm)
1 MAX9756 EV kit PC board
OPTIONAL COMPONENTS
C18 1
0.33µF ±10%, 10V X5R ceramic
capacitor (0402)
Murata GRM155R60J334K
TDK C1005JB0J334K
C19 1
1µF ±10%, 6.3V X5R ceramic
capacitor (0402)
Kemet C0402C105K9PAC
Murata GRM155R60J105K
TDK C1005JB0J105K
C20 0 Not installed, capacitor (0603)
System-level requirement.
††See the Define the Attack Time section to select the value of C17.
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
2 _______________________________________________________________________________________
Quick Start
Recommended Equipment
One 5V, 3A power supply
One audio source
Two speakers
One headphone
One DVM
Procedures
Do not turn on the power supply until all connec-
tions are completed.
1) Verify that a shunt is installed across pins 1 and 2
of jumper JU1 (HPVDD connected to VDD).
2) Verify that shunts are installed across pins 1 and 2
of jumpers JU2, JU3, and JU4 (speaker gain =
25.5dB, headphone gain = 3dB).
3) Verify that a shunt is installed across jumper JU5
(speaker enable).
4) Verify that a shunt is installed across pins 1 and 2
of jumper JU6 (linear regulator enabled).
5) Verify that a shunt is installed across pins 2 and 3
of jumper JU9 (linear regulator output = 4.65V).
6) Verify that a shunt is installed across pins 1 and 2
of jumper JU8 (MAX9756 enabled).
7) Verify that a shunt is installed on jumper JU12 (ALC
disabled).
8) Connect the first speaker to the OUTL+ and the
OUTL- pads.
9) Connect the second speaker to the OUTR+ and
the OUTR- pads.
10) Connect the +5V power supply to the VDD pad.
Connect the ground terminal of the power supply
to the SGND pad.
11) Connect the audio source to the IN_L and the IN_R
pads. Connect the ground from the audio source to
the GND pad.
12) Turn on the power supply and the audio source.
13) Adjust potentiometer R2 to change the speaker
volume.
14) Connect the headphone to phone jack J1.
15) Adjust potentiometer R2 to adjust the headphone
volume.
16) Verify the linear regulator output is approximately
4.65V.
Detailed Description
The MAX9756 is a Class AB amplifier designed to drive
stereo bridge-tied-load (BTL) speakers and a stereo
headphone in portable audio applications. The speaker
amplifiers operate from a 4.5VDC to 5.5VDC power sup-
ply, and deliver 2 x 2.3W power into a pair of 3speak-
ers. The DirectDrive headphone amplifiers operate from
a 3VDC to 5.5VDC power supply, and deliver 130mW
continuous power into a 16stereo headphone.
Component List (continued)
DESIGNATION
QTY
DESCRIPTION
OPTIONAL COMPONENTS
JU1, JU5, JU10,
JU11, JU12
5
2-pin headers
JU2, JU3, JU4,
JU6, JU8, JU9
6
3-pin headers
JU7
1
4-pin header
R2
1
10k thumb-wheel potentiometer
DESIGNATION QTY DESCRIPTION
OPTIONAL COMPONENTS
R4 1 100k ±5% resistor (0603)
R5 1 100k potentiometer (multiturn)
R6 1 47.0k ±1% resistor (0603)
R7 1 82.0k ±1% resistor (0603)
12 Shunts
Component Suppliers
Note: Indicate that you are using the MAX9756 when contacting these manufacturers.
SUPPLIER PHONE WEBSITE
AVX 843-946-0238 www.avxcorp.com
Kemet 864-963-6300 www.kemet.com
Murata 770-436-1300 www.murata.com
TDK 847-803-6100 www.component.tdk.com
The volume of the speakers and the headphone are
adjustable over 31 discrete steps by the thumb-wheel
potentiometer (R2) connected to the analog volume
control (VOL). The maximum gain of the MAX9756 is
selectable by jumpers JU2, JU3, and JU4.
The MAX9756 features an ALC that automatically con-
trols output power to the speaker preventing loud-
speaker overload and provides optimized dynamic
range. The MAX9756 also features an audible alert
input (PC_BEEP).
The MAX9756 has an internal low-dropout linear regula-
tor capable of delivering 150mA. The regulator is
adjustable down to 1.23V and has a preset voltage of
4.65V. The speaker and headphone outputs on the EV
kit can be selected by jumper JU5 and the headphone
jack J1. See Table 3 in the Jumper Selection section.
Jumper Selection
Headphone Power Supply
Jumper JU1 connects the headphone power supply
(HPVDD) to the main power supply (VDD). To use a dif-
ferent voltage for the headphone, remove the shunt
from JU1 and connect the voltage source to the
HPVDD and HPGND pads.
Gain Selection
Jumpers JU2, JU3, and JU4 provide an option to set
the maximum gain of the speakers and headphone
amplifiers on the EV kit. See Table 2 for shunt positions.
Speaker/Headphone Mode (HPS)
Jumper JU5 selects between the speaker mode and
the headphone mode. See Table 3 for shunt positions.
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3
SHUNT POSITION FUNCTION
Installed* The headphone power-supply input (HPVDD) is powered from the main power supply (VDD).
Not installed Connect a voltage source to the HPVDD and HPGND pads.
*Default position.
Table 1. JU1 Jumper Selection
SHUNT POSITION
JU4
(GAIN3)
JU3
(GAIN2)
JU2
(GAIN1)
SPEAKER MODE GAIN,
JU5 NOT INSTALLED
(dB)
HEADPHONE MODE GAIN,
JU5 INSTALLED
(dB)
2-3 2-3 2-3 +15 0
2-3 2-3 1-2 +16.5 0
2-3 1-2 2-3 +18 +3
2-3 1-2 1-2 +19.5 +3
1-2 2-3 2-3 +21 0
1-2 2-3 1-2 +22.5 0
1-2 1-2 2-3 +24 +3
1-2* 1-2* 1-2* +25.5 +3
*Default position.
Table 2. JU2/JU3/JU4 Jumper Selection
SHUNT POSITION FUNCTION
None Forced headphone mode
Installed* (No headphone plugged into J1) Speaker mode
Installed (Headphone plugged into J1) Headphone mode
*Default position.
Table 3. JU5 Jumper Selection
Automatic Level Control
The ALC feature limits amplifier power to protect the
loudspeaker and makes dynamic inputs more intelligi-
ble by boosting low-level signals without distorting the
high-level signals. Figure 1 illustrates the ALC circuitry
in action. Refer to the Automatic Level Control (ALC)
section of the MAX9756/MAX9757/MAX9758 data sheet
and see the Designing with Maxim’s Automatic Level
Control (ALC) section for more information.
Automatic Level-Control Timing
Jumpers JU7, JU10, and JU11 set the timing of the
MAX9756s ALC feature. Jumper JU7 sets the voltage
potential at the DR pin, which determines the release
time. Jumpers JU10 and JU11 determine the attack
time by setting the capacitance on the CT pin. Jumper
JU12 shorts the CT pin to GND, disabling the ALC fea-
ture. See Tables 6 and 7 for shunt positions.
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
4 _______________________________________________________________________________________
SHUNT POSITION REGEN PIN FUNCTION
1-2* High Regulator enabled
2-3 Low Regulator disabled
*Default position.
Table 4. JU6 Jumper Selection
SHUNT
POSITION
SET PIN
FUNCTION
1-2 High The regulators feedback input (SET) is connected to resistor-divider R6/R7.
Note: The resistors installed on the EV kit set the output voltage to 3.3V.
2-3* Low The regulators feedback input (SET) is connected to GND. The output voltage is 4.65V.
*Default position.
Table 5. JU9 Jumper Selection
Figure 1. Full Cycle of the Automatic Level Control. (The hold time of a MAX9756 amplifier is set at a fixed 50ms while the attack time
and attack to release time ratio can be adjusted by external components).
Output Power Threshold
Resistor R4 in series with potentiometer R5 adjusts the
output power threshold of the MAX9756. Resistor R3 is
shipped uninstalled, but is made available for occasions
where a single resistor is desired for evaluation. In this
case, leave resistor R4 open.
Shutdown Mode (
SHDN
)
Jumper JU8 controls the shutdown pin (SHDN) of the
MAX9756 IC. See Table 8 for shunt positions.
Analog Volume Control
The thumb-wheel potentiometer R2 adjusts the volume of
the speakers and the headphone over 31 discrete steps.
Low-Dropout Linear Regulator
Jumper JU6 enables/disables the regulator. Jumper
JU9 connects the regulators feedback input (SET) to
either GND or to resistor-divider R6/R7. See Tables 4
and 5 for shunt positions. The resistors installed on the
MAX9756 EV kit set the output voltage to 3.3V. To
change the voltage, replace R6 and R7. Use the follow-
ing equation to select resistor values:
where VSET = 1.23V. Choose resistor values between
10kand 1M.
Evaluating the
MAX9757/MAX9758 Features
To evaluate the features of the MAX9757, disable the
LDO of the MAX9756 by installing a shunt across pins 2
and 3 of jumper JU6.
To evaluate the features of the MAX9758, disable the ALC
of the MAX9756 by installing a shunt on jumper JU12.
Designing with Maxim’s
Automatic Level Control
The power threshold and attack/release time constants
of Maxims automatic level control circuitry require opti-
mization for each application. The MAX9756 EV kit is
constructed to allow for quick and efficient evaluation of
ALC settings.
When custom designing the MAX9756 ALC function for
a specific application, follow these steps to ensure opti-
mum performance:
Step 1. Define the output power threshold.
Step 2. Define the gain setting.
Step 3. Define the attack time.
Step 4. Define the attack to release time ratio.
RR
V
V
OUT
SET
76 1=
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 5
RELEASE TIME
JU7
JU10 JU11 CCT (µF) ATTACK TIME
1-4 1-3 1-2*
Not installed*
Not installed*
0.033 495µs 99ms 313ms 990ms
Installed Not installed 0.363 5.45ms 1.09s 3.45s 10.9s
Installed Installed 1.363 20.45ms 4.09s 12.9s 40.9s
*Default position.
Table 6. JU7/JU10/JU11 Jumper Selection
SHUNT POSITION FUNCTION
Not installed ALC enabled
Installed* ALC disabled
*Default position.
Table 7. JU12 Jumper Selection
SHUNT
POSITION SHDN PIN FUNCTION
1-2* High MAX9756 enabled
2-3 Low MAX9756 disabled
*Default position.
Table 8. JU8 Jumper Selection
Step 1. Define the Output
Power Threshold
The output power threshold is defined by the desired
power rating (POUT) and the nominal impedance (RL)
of the applications speakers. To set the threshold at
which the speaker output is clamped, an external resis-
tor must be connected from PREF to ground. The sug-
gested external resistor range is from 100kto 200k
(for best results use a 1% resistor). Leave PREF uncon-
nected to disable the ALC function.
Use the following equation to select the value of PPREF
for the desired maximum continuous output power
level, POUT, assuming a sine-wave input signal:
Note the MAX9756 ALC circuitry is based on a peak
signal detection algorithm. If a heavily clipped signal is
passed to the speaker, the resulting increased continu-
ous output power can potentially damage the speaker.
Take two waveforms with equal amplitude, for example
(Figure 2). The RMS voltage of the square wave is
1.414 times the peak voltage of the sine wave. In terms
of power, the total power of the square wave is double
the power of the sine wave.
The MAX9756 EV kit provides resistor R4 in series with
potentiometer R5 to adjust the output power threshold of
the MAX9756. The series resistance of R4 and R5 is
referred to as RPREF. Resistor R3 is shipped uninstalled,
but is made available for occasions where a single resis-
tor is desired for evaluation. If resistor R3 is installed,
uninstall resistor R4.
Step 2. Define the Gain Setting
Accurately defining the gain setting of the MAX9756
amplifier is key to obtaining optimum ALC performance.
The overall gain structure must be set to ensure the
ALC circuitry is fully limiting with full-scale signals. This
gain structure will ensure the amplifier quickly responds
to an overdriven output condition. The design of the
MAX9756 limits ALC gain reduction to a maximum of
6dB, after which the output voltage will increase above
the defined threshold.
Select the gain (AV) of the amplifier so that a full-scale
input signal (VINFS) produces a fully compressed out-
put at the output threshold defined in Step 1.
where VINFS is an RMS value.
If the ideal value is not available from the fixed-gain
options of the MAX9756, choose the closest setting to
the above.
Once a gain setting is selected, test the ALC threshold
with a 0dBFS, 1kHz input signal. Monitor the CT pin of
the MAX9756 to ensure the ALC circuitry is active. The
voltage at CT should be more than 3.5V under these
conditions. Increase the amplifier gain setting if the volt-
age at CT does not go above 3.5V with a 0dBFS input.
Jumpers JU2, JU3, and JU4 of the MAX9756 EV kit pro-
vide an option to set the maximum gain of the speakers
and headphone amplifiers on the EV kit. See Table 2 for
shunt positions.
APR
VVV
V OUT L
INFS
[]
2( )
[/]
Pk
PR
PREF OUT L
=
×
180 1 166 8
.
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
6 _______________________________________________________________________________________
VPEAK VRMS = VPEAK
VRMS
VIN [dB]
VOUT [dB]
VOUT
ALC TRANSFER FUNCTION
LINEAR TRANSFER FUNCTION
FS INPUT
6dB
COMPRESSION
Figure 2. RMS Voltage of a Sine Wave vs. RMS Voltage of a
Square Wave
Figure 3. Amplifier Gain Selection
Step 3. Define the Attack Time
The attack time is the time it takes to reduce the gain
after the input signal has exceeded the threshold level.
The gain attenuation in attack is exponential and the
attack time is defined as one time constant. The time
constant of the attack is given by 15,000 x CCT sec-
onds (where CCT is the external timing capacitor).
Suggested attack time range is from 150µs to 50ms.
Use a short attack time for the ALC to react quickly
to transient signals, such as snare drum beats
(music) or gun shots (DVD). Short time constants
will cause the ALC to rapidly follow changing sig-
nal levels and minimize the time when the signal is
large, but the gain has not yet been reduced. This
ensures that large signals will not damage loud-
speakers and will provide maximum speaker pro-
tection, which can result in audible artifacts such
as pumping and breathing as the gain is rapidly
adjusted to follow the dynamics of the signal.
Use a longer attack time to allow the ALC to ignore
short-duration peaks and only reduce the gain
when a sustained increase in loudness occurs. For
movie soundtracks, where there is constantly
changing signal level, longer attack times are bet-
ter suited to maximize sound quality. In this case,
the gain is held relatively fixed for rapid changes in
signal level, and only adjusts when there is a long-
term change that gives the amplifier sufficient time
to react. This will maximize sound quality and still
provides speaker protection as the duration of
excessively large or clipped output signals is sig-
nificantly reduced in comparison to the uncom-
pressed output waveform. Avoid selecting the
attack time too long as it can result in some dam-
age to the loudspeaker under harsh conditions.
The MAX9756 EV kit provides capacitors C17, C18,
and C19 to set the attack time of the MAX9756 ALC cir-
cuitry. Jumpers JU10 and JU11 select the capacitance
at CT. See Table 6 for shunt positions.
Note that the attack time is related to the release time
by a ratio set by the DR pin. Understand this relation-
ship when selecting the capacitance of the external
timing capacitor (CCT).
Step 4. Define the Attack to
Release Time Ratio
The release time is how long it takes for the gain to
return to its normal level after the input signal has fallen
below the threshold level and the 50ms hold time has
expired. Release time is defined as a release from 6dB
gain compression to 10% of the nominal gain setting
after the input signal has fallen below PREF threshold
and the 50ms hold time has expired. Release time is
linear in dB with time and is inversely proportional to
the magnitude of gain compression in dB. Release time
is adjustable between 99ms and 40.9s on this evalua-
tion kit. Customer optimized values of CT can extend
these limits further if desired.
Release and attack times are set by selecting the
capacitance value between CT and GND, and by set-
ting the logic state of DR (Table 9). DR is a tri-state
logic input that sets the attack-to-release time ratio.
Use a small ratio to maximize the speed of the ALC,
providing best speaker protection.
Use a large ratio to maximize the sound quality and
prevent repeated excursions above the threshold
from being independently adjusted by the ALC.
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 7
DR RELEASE/ATTACK RATIO
VDD 200
VBIAS 633
GND 2000
Table 9. Release to Attack Ratio
Evaluates: MAX9756
The effect of long vs. short attack and release times is
shown in Figure 4 by monitoring the gain reduction
control voltage (CT pin) and the output signal wave-
form. To produce representative waveforms the input
signal was a full-volume music signal. The short attack
and release time clearly results in frequent adjustments
to the gain during a passage that, overall, has relatively
constant signal strength. The longer attack and release
times prevent the amplifier from overreacting and help
maintain a smooth gain response, thus preserving more
of the dynamics of the signal while still keeping the
overall signal level in check.
The MAX9756 EV kit provides jumper JU7 for setting
the logic state of DR. See Table 6 for shunt positions.
MAX9756 ALC Overview
Be careful to define each parameter based on the
applications expected use (i.e., typical source materi-
al), speaker impedance, and speaker power rating.
See Table 2 for output power threshold calculations
and attack/release time settings.
For notebook applications in which music CDs and
DVDs are the typical audio source, Maxim recom-
mends an attack time of 495µs and a release time of
990ms with an output power threshold of 1.2W (RL=
8). Begin with this setting for your initial evaluation. If
the sound quality is not satisfactory, alter the attack and
release time scales to obtain optimum results. To hear
or measure the effect of the ALC settings chosen, a
rapid comparison can be made by simply shorting the
CT pin to GND, disabling ALC.
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
8 _______________________________________________________________________________________
Figure 4. The first image illustrates the effect of designing short attack and release times. The gain makes frequent changes, which
can result in undesirable sound. The second image shows the effect of longer attack and release times; showing a smoother gain
response.
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9
MAX9756 CCT
33nF
RPREF
180k
VALUES SHOWN FOR AN OUTPUT POWER THRESHOLD OF 1.2W WITH AN
RL = 8 ATTACK TIME OF 495µs AND A RELEASE TIME OF 990ms
DR
5V
VDD
CT
PREF
GND
STEP PIN NAME COMPONENT
DESIGNATOR DESCRIPTION EQUATIONS
STEP 1 29 PREF RPREF = R4 + R5
Power-Limiting Input Resistor.
Connect a resistor from PREF to
GND to set the speaker output
clamping level. Leave PREF
unconnected to disable ALC.
Sine-Wave Output
STEP 2 2, 3, 4
GAIN1,
GAIN2,
GAIN3
JU2, JU3, JU4
Gain Selection. GAIN1, GAIN2,
and GAIN3 inputs set the
maximum gain for the speaker
and headphone amplifiers. Select
the gain of the amplifier so that the
full-scale output signal is fully
compressed at the defined output
power threshold.
STEP 3 35 CT
If JU10 and JU11 are installed:
CCT = C17 + C18 + C19
If JU10 is installed:
CCT = C17 + C18
or:
CCT = C17
Automatic Level Control Attack
and Release-Timing Capacitor.
Connect CT to GND to disable
ALC.
CCT = tATTACK /
15,000 [F]
DR
RELEASE/
ATTACK
RATIO
VDD 200
GND 633
STEP 4 25 DR JU7
Automatic Level Control Attack to
Release Time Ratio Select.
Hardwire to VDD, GND, or BIAS to
set the attack to release ratio.
BIAS 2000
Table 10. Electrical Components Description for Automatic Level Control Design
Figure 5. Recommended Output Power Threshold, Attack, and
Release Time Components
Pk
P
R
PREF OUT
L
=
×
180 1 166
8
.
APR
VVV
V OUT L
INFS
[( )]/
[/]
2
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
10 ______________________________________________________________________________________
Figure 6. MAX9756 EV Kit Schematic
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
______________________________________________________________________________________ 11
Figure 7. MAX9756 EV Kit Component Placement Guide—
Component Side
Figure 8. MAX9756 EV Kit PC Board Layout—Component Side
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
12 ______________________________________________________________________________________
Figure 9. MAX9756 EV Kit PC Board Layout—Layer 2 Figure 10. MAX9756 EV Kit PC Board Layout—Layer 3
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600 ____________________ 13
© 2006 Maxim Integrated Products Printed USA is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Evaluates: MAX9756
MAX9756 Evaluation Kit
Figure 11. MAX9756 EV Kit PC Board Layout—Solder Side