An audio power amplifier chip is an electronic component that amplifies the weak input electrical signal and outputs it. It can further optimize and adjust the audio signal to enhance the overall sound quality. After the 21st century, audio power amplifier chips began to integrate more functions, and the market demand grew rapidly. In 2019, the global shipment volume of audio power amplifier chips exceeded 3 billion units, and the global market size of audio power amplifier chips in 2023 was approximately 2.43 billion US dollars. In 2022, the sales revenue of audio power amplifier chips in China reached 415 million US dollars, and it is expected to reach 532 million US dollars by 2029. Under the impetus of policies, domestic enterprises such as Aiwei Electronics have gradually risen and led the way in domestic manufacturing.

A new era of high-fidelity audio
    An audio power amplifier chip is an electronic component used to amplify audio signals and has DSP functionality to optimize sound quality. Its development has gone through stages from discrete components to integration and digitalization. Class D amplifiers have become popular due to their high efficiency, achieving significant improvements in sound quality and performance. In the 21st century, with the expansion of the market and the diversification of technology, audio power amplifier chips have huge market potential.
    1.Definition of audio power amplifier chips. An Audio Power Amplifier Chip is an electronic component that amplifies the input weak electrical signal and outputs it. It usually has the function of digital signal processing (DSP), which can further optimize and adjust the audio signal to improve the overall sound quality. Its main function is to amplify the input low-power audio signal to a high-power output signal that can drive speakers or headphones, playing a crucial role in various electronic devices, especially in audio systems, televisions, mobile phones, computers, multimedia players and other equipment.
    2. The Development history of audio power amplifier chips. The development of audio power amplifier technology began with discrete component circuits, using components such as transistors and vacuum tubes to build power amplifiers. During this period, audio amplifiers were mostly Class A or Class B amplifiers, mainly used in broadcasting equipment, home audio systems and professional audio devices. Class D power amplifier chips emerged in the 1990s and gradually attracted market attention due to their extremely high power efficiency. Since the 21st century, audio power amplifier chips have entered a rapid development stage of digitalization and high integration. Class D power amplifier chips have been widely used in portable devices due to their high efficiency and miniaturization. In addition to the basic power amplification function, modern audio power amplifier chips are gradually integrating digital signal processing (DSP) modules and optimizing audio signals through software algorithms. During this period, chips achieved unprecedented improvements in terms of size, power consumption, and sound quality.
    High-efficiency amplification technology, integrated digital signal processing technology and chip integrated boost technology are emerging technologies for audio power amplifier chips. High-efficiency amplification technology boosts efficiency to over 90% through PWM, making it suitable for portable devices. Integrated digital signal processing technology optimizes sound quality, offering greater flexibility and expressiveness. Chip integrated boost technology enhances audio performance and protects speakers.
    High-efficiency amplification technology (Class D power amplifier). Class D power amplifier chips represent a breakthrough technology that converts analog audio signals into high-frequency digital signals through pulse width modulation (PWM), achieving extremely high amplification efficiency. According to data from Texas Instruments, compared with Class A and Class AB power amplifiers, the power efficiency of Class D power amplifiers can usually reach over 90%, effectively reducing power consumption and heat. This makes Class D power amplifier chips the preferred choice in portable electronic devices and they are widely used in smartphones and Bluetooth speakers. Take JBL's Bluetooth speakers as an example. They usually use Class D amplifiers, which can maintain a high volume while achieving a long battery life.
    2. Integrated digital signal processing technology (DSP). Modern audio power amplifier chips often integrate digital signal processors (DSPS) to optimize audio signals through algorithms. For instance, Bose's noise-cancelling headphones employ DSP for echo cancellation and noise suppression, enabling them to offer clear sound quality even in noisy environments. DSP can also handle complex audio effects, such as dynamic range compression and equalization, enabling real-time optimization of sound quality. This technology is particularly suitable for smart speakers, wireless headphones and other devices, endowing them with greater flexibility and expressiveness in terms of sound quality optimization and sound control.
    3. Integrated boost technology. Some audio power amplifier chips integrate boost converters, which can provide high-voltage output under low-voltage power supplies, thereby enhancing output power and speaker driving capabilities. This technology is particularly suitable for battery-powered portable devices as it can enhance the audio performance of the devices while maintaining battery life. For instance, the HT8313 chip from Heroic integrates an adaptive charge pump boost module, which does not boost voltage at low power, effectively extending the battery's playback time. It also features an ACF output control function to prevent clipping distortion, significantly enhancing sound quality and protecting the speaker from overload damage.

The power of mobile phone audio chips
    Audio power amplifier chips play a crucial role in smartphones, automotive electronics and smart home devices. Among them, Class D power amplifier chips stand out particularly in the audio output of smartphones due to their high efficiency and miniaturization features. In the automotive field, Class D or Class AB power amplifier chips have enhanced the performance of in-car audio systems, while AVAS systems have improved safety. Smart home devices achieve high-quality audio output and intelligent control by integrating power amplifier chips.
    1.Smartphones and portable devices. Audio power amplifier chips are widely used in smart phones and portable devices. Especially, Class D power amplifier chips, due to their high efficiency and miniaturization features, have become the core technology for audio output in smart phones. These chips typically integrate multiple functions, including noise suppression, echo cancellation, volume control and power management, to ensure the best audio experience under various usage conditions. For instance, the audio system in Apple's iPhone employs Class D power amplifier chips, which maintain high-quality sound while achieving low power consumption and extending battery life. According to YHReasearch data, audio power amplifier chips for mobile devices such as smartphones account for the largest proportion, with a share of approximately 21% in 2022. It is expected that the compound annual growth rate in the coming years will be 4.92%.
    2. Automotive electronics. In the field of automotive electronics, it is mainly used in in-vehicle infotainment systems, navigation systems, emergency rescue systems, telematics, and pedestrian alert sound systems (AVAS) for new energy vehicles. The introduction of digital signal processing technology enables vehicle-mounted power amplifiers to precisely adjust the sound field, equalization, phase and sound image, significantly enhancing the quality of sound output. In modern high-end car audio systems, Class D or Class AB power amplifier chips are usually adopted, which can provide an outstanding audio experience under limited space and power supply conditions. For example, the high-end audio system of Tesla Model S adopts Class D power amplifier technology, providing more than 500 watts of power output under the vehicle power supply condition, achieving a cinema-level audio effect experience. In addition, the standard AVAS (Acoustic Warning System) for new energy vehicles has also enhanced the vehicle's detectability and further strengthened its safety. For instance, stmicroelectronics' FDA803S and FDA903S are single-channel fully differential 10W Class D audio power amplifiers, suitable for automotive systems that require the audio channel to generate a maximum standard output power of 10W, such as emergency road rescue and telematics. According to YHReasearch data, the automotive industry is expected to be one of the fastest-growing downstream application sectors in the future, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.41%.
    3. Smart home. The application of audio power amplifier chips in the smart home field is mainly reflected in smart speakers, home entertainment systems and smart home appliances. Take smart speakers as an example. Amazon's Echo and Google's Nest series widely use D-class amplifier chips. Through their high efficiency and low power consumption, they achieve high-quality audio output in small devices. In addition, smart TVS and home theater systems also integrate AB or D class power amplifier chips to support multi-channel surround sound and high-fidelity audio output, providing an immersive experience for home entertainment. By integrating with the smart home system, these devices not only offer audio services but also can control other household appliances such as lighting and temperature control devices through voice commands, thus forming a complete smart home ecosystem.
    The core challenges faced by the audio power amplifier chip industry are the balance between high efficiency and low distortion as well as the improvement of integration. Although Class D power amplifiers have high efficiency, they are prone to high distortion at high frequencies. R&d personnel need to constantly optimize the design and algorithm to seek a balance. With the miniaturization of equipment, designers need to adopt advanced heat dissipation technologies to deal with the heat problem caused by the increase in power density.
    The difficult problem of balancing high efficiency and low distortion. As users' demands for sound quality increase, power amplifier chips need to minimize distortion and noise as much as possible when amplifying weak audio signals. For instance, although Class D power amplifiers are highly efficient, they may produce relatively high distortion when processing audio signals, especially in the high-frequency range. Therefore, R&D personnel need to constantly optimize circuit design and control algorithms to achieve the best balance between high efficiency and low distortion.
    2. Challenges in enhancing integration. With the development of electronic devices towards miniaturization and portability, the design of audio power amplifier chips needs to integrate more functions in a smaller space, especially while maintaining sound quality and power output. Meanwhile, as the integration degree increases, the heat generated by the chip during operation will also increase. If not controlled, it may lead to a decline in chip performance or damage. Therefore, advanced heat dissipation technologies need to be adopted, such as using high thermal conductivity materials, optimizing packaging design, and introducing active or passive heat dissipation mechanisms.

The global audio chip market is growing steadily and introducing active or passive heat dissipation mechanisms.

    The market for audio power amplifier chips continues to grow. In 2019, global shipments exceeded 3 billion units, and it is expected that the total market size will reach 3.86 billion US dollars by 2030. The Chinese market is expected to see its sales revenue increase to 532 million US dollars in 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.83%. D-class power amplifier chips are the main driving force for market growth. During the process of localization, enterprises like Aiwei Electronics have achieved technological breakthroughs and promoted the development of the industry with the support of national policies.
    1. Global market size. The market for audio power amplifier chips has shown a significant growth trend in recent years, mainly due to the increased demand for consumer electronic products such as smart phones and tablet computers. According to SAR Light &Consulting, the global shipment of audio power amplifier chips exceeded 3 billion units in 2019. According to Issuu data, the global audio power amplifier chip market size was estimated at approximately 2.43 billion US dollars in 2023 and is projected to grow to 3.86 billion US dollars by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%.
    2. Market size in China. The Chinese audio power amplifier chip market has shown a stable growth trend in recent years. According to YH Research, the sales revenue of the Chinese audio power amplifier chip market reached 415 million US dollars in 2022, and it is expected to reach 532 million US dollars in 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.83% from 2023 to 2029. Among them, Aiwei Electronics, Lingyun Semiconductor and Adeno Semiconductor occupied approximately 55% of the Chinese market share in 2022. Class D power amplifiers are the main growth point in the future market. YH Reasearch predicts that the share of Class D audio power amplifier chips will reach 48% in 2029.
    3. Localization process. With the strong support of national policies, domestic audio power amplifier chip enterprises have gradually broken the market monopoly of foreign manufacturers, achieving technological breakthroughs and product innovations. In 2010, Aiwei Electronics launched its first generation of analog interface K-class audio power amplifier products. Since 2017, it has successively introduced related product series, which have been recognized by the market. In addition, the XA7191D series audio power amplifier chips from Hefei Tangcheng are specially designed for wearable products, featuring high cost performance, compact packaging and outstanding performance. With the release of the "Notice of The State Council on Printing and Distributing Several Policies for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Integrated Circuit Industry and Software Industry in the New Era" (Guo Fa [2020] No. 8), comprehensive support has been provided for the integrated circuit industry, including fiscal and tax incentives, investment and financing support, research and development innovation, and talent cultivation, further promoting the development of domestic audio power amplifier chips. In October 2022, the two integrated circuit standards, "Functional Requirements for Intelligent Diagnostic Integrated Circuits for Audio" and "Requirements for Signal Transmission and Control Interface", led by Aiwei Electronics, were successfully approved for project initiation. This will help promote the standardization and normalization of domestic audio technology.
    Infineon Technologies, Cirrus Logic and Texas Instruments are all major enterprises in the field of audio power amplifier ics. Infineon's innovative multi-level amplification technology offers high efficiency and high output power. Cirrus Logic focuses on ultra-low power audio solutions for mobile applications; Texas Instruments offers a wide range of high-quality audio amplifiers, renowned for their high output power and low power consumption.
    1.Infineon Technologies Infineon is renowned for its MERUS™ series of Audio power amplifier ics. This series of products adopts innovative multi-level amplification technology, providing high output bandwidth, high efficiency and high output power, and is particularly suitable for high-resolution audio (Hi-Resolution Audio) applications. Models such as the MA12040P and MA12070P in the MERUS™ series support audio signal processing up to 192kHz/24-bit, with a switching frequency of 1.2MHz, providing an outstanding audio experience. In terms of technological innovation, Infineon's multi-level amplification technology offers higher efficiency and lower power consumption compared to traditional D-class amplifiers. For instance, the MA5332MS multi-chip module can provide a constant power of up to 2 x 100 W for a 4 Ω load without the need for a heat sink, significantly reducing the heat dissipation requirements and system costs. According to the company's annual report data, Infineon achieved record revenue and profit in the fiscal year 2023. Its revenue reached 16.309 billion euros, a year-on-year increase of 15%, and its profit reached 4.399 billion euros, a year-on-year increase of 30%.
    2.Cirrus Logic. Cirrus Logic focuses on providing ultra-low power consumption and highly integrated audio solutions for mobile applications such as smart phones, laptops, tablets, wearable devices and AR/VR. The company's product line covers Class D digital amplifier controllers, power stages and audio DSPS, etc. One of Cirrus Logic's outstanding technologies is its SoundClear® software technology, which significantly enhances the auditory experience by improving voice quality, voice capture, voice recognition and audio playback. The company's high-performance audio converters offer outstanding performance and features such as mixed gain control, with extremely low power requirements, meeting the demanding sound quality requirements of recording artists, live performers and music audiophiles. According to the company's annual report data, Cirrus Logic achieved record revenue and profit in the fiscal year 2022. According to the financial report released on May 3, 2022, the company's revenue in the fourth quarter was 490 million US dollars, and the total revenue for the entire fiscal year 2022 reached 1.78 billion US dollars, representing a year-on-year growth of 30%.
    3.Texas Instruments. Texas Instruments is renowned for its extensive portfolio of high-quality audio amplifiers. The audio power amplifier chip product line encompasses a wide range of solutions from milliwatts to kilowatts and from analog to digital. TI's Class-D amplifier series, such as TPA3250, TPA3251 and TPA3255-Q1. These chips adopt the Class-D design and utilize efficient digital switching technology to amplify audio signals, providing high output power and low power consumption. All of them are designed to provide high-fidelity audio output, featuring low distortion and low noise, making them highly suitable for demanding audio applications. In addition, TI also offers easy-to-use audio amplifier integrated circuits, including Class-D speaker amplifiers with digital and analog inputs, smart amplifiers, integrated headphone amplifiers, audio operational amplifiers and line drivers/receivers, covering output power ranges from a few watts to tens of watts to support different design requirements.
    Aiwei Electronics, China Resources Microelectronics and Goodix Technology are all major enterprises in the field of audio power amplifier chips. Aiwei Electronics leads the market with its low power consumption and low background noise features. China Resources Microelectronics offers a wide range of audio power amplifier chips to meet different power requirements. The Goodix TFA9865 series, with its 7W high output power and ultra-low noise, has set a new benchmark for sound quality in mobile devices.
    1. Aiwei Electronics. Aiwei Electronics focuses on the design of high-performance mixed-signal, power management, signal chain and other ics. Its products are widely used in consumer electronics, AIoT, industrial, automotive and other market fields. The Digital Smart K series audio power amplifier chips launched by the company, such as AW88396FOR, integrate advanced DSP functions and audio effect algorithms, provide a boost capacity of 10.25V, and can provide an output power of up to 5.7W for 8-ohm speakers. This product performs exceptionally well in terms of low power consumption and low background noise, with a background noise as low as 9.3uV, reaching the leading level in the industry. It provides high-quality audio experiences for multi-channel terminal devices and various IoT devices. The outstanding technologies of Aiwei Electronics also include its national magic algorithm awinic SKTune®, which is integrated into the DSP and offers multiple functions such as virtual low-frequency enhancement, dynamic EQ, and sound enhancement, significantly improving the audio playback experience. According to the company's financial report data, Aiwei Electronics achieved operating revenue of 1.581 billion yuan in the first half of 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 56.77%.
    2. China Resources Microelectronics. China Resources Microelectronics is a leading enterprise specializing in the design of analog and mixed-signal chips. The company offers a wide range of audio power amplifier chip products, including 1 to 5W, 5 to 7W, 7 to 15W and over 15W audio power amplifiers, covering a wide range of applications from small portable devices to high-power home theater systems. These products adopt different amplification technologies such as AB class, D class and AB+D class to meet the demands of various application scenarios. According to the company's financial report data, the company's R&D investment accounted for 12.05% in the first half of 2024, and it achieved operating income of 4.76 billion yuan.
    3. Goodix Technology Goodix Technology is a leading Chinese enterprise specializing in the audio power amplifier chip industry. In the field of audio power amplifier chips, it offers high-performance D-class intelligent audio amplifier products. Among them, the latest generation TFA9865 series, with its outstanding audio performance featuring a high output power of 7W and ultra-low noise below 7uV, has set a new benchmark for the audio quality of mobile devices. The TFA9865 series is equipped with Goodix's self-developed first-generation CoolPWM technology, completely breaking the traditional technical architecture. With a pure digital link design and advanced energy efficiency management mechanism, it provides mobile terminals with louder and clearer sound quality. The efficient digital link design brings about higher efficiency and lower static power consumption performance. Coupled with the advanced intelligent battery management function, it significantly extends the device's battery life. Meanwhile, Goodix has successfully led the mass production of the domestic first 90-nanometer BCD process with specially adjusted processes. The advanced process combined with a brand-new digital architecture has achieved a size of 2.2 * 2.2mm ², providing a broader space for innovative applications by terminal manufacturers.