The reason why SD amps performs so well at low and high voltages

[muriloalvares]

Hello guys.

The SounDigital amps features a 20MHz CMOS FLASH-based 8-bit microcontroller, programmed by computers in the factory. This thing controls the entire amplifier, such as the power supply, output protections and etc, so this is the brain of the amplifier.

With such a fast brain, we can control the power supply PWM really quick. PWM is the modulation of the control pulse duration on the FETs on the power supply. Let me explain:

The power supply converts the 12V input to a high voltage source, like 180V. We know that the limit for a certain device used in this example is 200V, so we cannot let the voltage step up to 200V or more and at the same time we want the voltage the highest possible so we can have lots of power.

Well, by modulating the duration of the pulse of the power supply devices we can control that, example: We put 12V on input and obtain 180V, ok! Now we put 10V (like when we have a strong bass hitting, the amp drawn more current and the battery voltage goes down) and the power supply will deliver less than 180V, like 150V, so we need to increase the pulse duration on a certain amount to make the output voltage of the power supply reach the 180V. Now we apply 18V, the power supply will want to deliver more than 200V, right? Well, if the amp is not a SD the output devices may explode, eheheh, than we need to decrease the pulse duration on the FETs.

This FAST (20MHz) and WELL IMPLEMENTED process is that allow us to produce low voltage capable amplifiers (7.5V) and at same time you can boost your battery system to a 16V and even charge it at 18V or higher voltages and you WONT blow a SD amplifier.

This procedure (PWM) is really hard to obtain, so many companies just leave the duration of the pulse LOCKED.

You would be impressed if you discover that A LOT of BIG amplifiers have the PWM locked, because the design of the power supply was not well implemented. Try to find it by yourself.

Other amplifiers (like 95% of the market) are made of CHEAP parts, so they use cheap and slow power supply controllers, that can only work on a limited range of features.

The microprocessor also controls other functions of the SD amplifiers, like the protections and voltage warning:

The output short is detected by a system that measure the current on the output of the power supply, and this need to be very fast. When you make a short on the output of the amp the uC (microcontroller) reads the current and shut down the devices on power supply, before they explore by the excessive current created by the short.

When your battery voltage drops to any voltage below 9.5V the microcontroller flashes the red LED, so you will be informed that your battery level is running low.

Also, if your voltage drops to any voltage less than 7.5V the uC detects and the amplifier will shut down.

[dak446]

damn son, that's cool. so it's kinda like the jl technology i suppose

[HHR_Ed]

much better than JL design.

I have seen these amps in action and they are well suited for almost any application.

[dak446]

ya, they're sick ass amps. i wanna see the 12kd in action tho

[bones22]

Originally Posted by dak446

ya, they're sick ass amps. i wanna see the 12kd in action tho

if i can sell my CMASS UL12 i will be getting one

[psychoacoustics]

Originally Posted by HHR_Ed

much better than JL design.

I have seen these amps in action and they are well suited for almost any application.

Hi Ed

[psychoacoustics]

Hi Ed

[Old/School]

jl hum hum hahahahah we all know what that stands for.

[bd5034]

I work for a company that sells advanced lighting technology and we use a PWM control setup. It's far superior to older technologies; I think it's awesome to see it in audio equipment.

[Old/School]

Thanks its the best so far and we like it these amps scream.