The reference design is a valuable resource for engineers optimizing audio solutions for modern vehicles.
The TAS2505-Q1 is a low-power Class-D digital audio amplifier with analog and digital input capabilities, making it highly versatile for automotive applications. This reference design, TIDA-01529 by Texas Instruments, provides an efficient solution for engineers developing audio systems for cluster displays, emergency call (eCall) systems, and telematics control units. With its compact design, advanced fault diagnostic features, and low power consumption, the TAS2505-Q1 simplifies development while enhancing the overall performance of automotive audio solutions. Design engineers can leverage this reference design to evaluate the TAS2505-Q1’s capabilities, offering a robust foundation for implementing advanced automotive audio systems.
This amplifier combines functionality, flexibility, and fault diagnostics to meet the demands of automotive environments. It delivers mono Class-D performance with outputs of 2.6 W at 10% THD for 4 Ω loads and 1.7 W at 10% THD for 8 Ω loads. The TAS2505-Q1 supports both digital (I2S) and analog inputs, eliminating the need for an external DAC in the audio path. Its integrated fault diagnostics detect output-to-ground short, output-to-power short, terminal-to-terminal short, and open load conditions, while overtemperature protection ensures reliability. Operating on a single 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply, the device features an internal 1.8 V LDO for powering its analog and digital functions. Additional programmable audio processing, such as bass boost, treble adjustments, and equalization (up to six biquads), enhances flexibility. Control is facilitated through I2C and SPI interfaces with auto-increment functionality, and the amplifier comes in a 24-pin VQFN wettable flank package suitable for automotive-grade applications.
The TAS2505-Q1 is an excellent choice for automotive emergency call systems, hybrid instrument clusters with active or informational graphics, reconfigurable digital instrument clusters, and telematics control units. These applications benefit from the device’s low power consumption, high integration, and reliable performance under automotive conditions.
To support the evaluation of the TAS2505-Q1, this reference design also includes supplementary components like the TCA9406 and SN74AVC4T774. The TCA9406 is a 2-bit bidirectional I2C/SMBus voltage-level translator, operational across a wide range of voltages from 1.65 V to 5.5 V. The SN74AVC4T774 is a 4-bit noninverting bus transceiver with configurable power-supply rails, ensuring seamless voltage translation and compatibility between system components. These additional components simplify integration and enhance the overall functionality of the audio system.
By providing robust diagnostic features, flexible input options, and integrated audio processing capabilities, Its compact size and ease of integration make it an essential tool for automotive audio development. TI has tested this reference design. It comes with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, assembly drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and more. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.
