Speaker Driver

This is a simple analog speaker driver, mostly driven simply by the goal of learning more about this field.

Features

Cross-over filtration

The driver is designed to support two drivers, one for bass and one for treble. The cross-over frequency is 1326 Hz, and is achieved by using simple first order filters.

  • Capacitor: 10 uF
  • Resistor: 12R

bode

Voltage pre-amplification

The input voltage is amplified by a factor of 6, using a simple non-inverting amplifier (LM741 op-amp). It is expected that the input voltage is around 1 V amplitude (2 Vpp), delivered by a 3.5 mm audio connector.

  • Input resistor: 820R
  • Fixed feedback resistor: 10k
  • Variable feedback resistor: 10k (in parallel with the fixed resistor)

bode

Power amplification

The next stage is a power amplifier, which is a simple class AB amplifier, that allows each driver to draw up to about 5W. Each driver is expected to have an impedance of 4 Ohm. TIP31 and TIP32 power transistors are used.

bode

Power supply

The PCB takes a single 24VDC 1A barrel jack input, and divides the voltage into 12VDC and -12VDC using a simple voltage divider.

Future work

  • Miniaturize the PCB, using at least SMD components, if not a pre-made amplifier IC.
  • Understand, measure, and reduce the signal-to-noise ratio.
  • Use dedicated battery control circuitry for portable use.
  • Add Bluetooth connectivity (ideally BLE), using a microcontroller.
    • Ideally, use custom firmware and design a custom antenna on the PCB.
    • Alternatively, use an ESP32 module with a pre-made antenna.
  • Use buttons for power on/off, volume control, and Bluetooth pairing.