The MAX9877 combines a high-efficiency Class D audio power amplifier with a stereo Class AB capacitor-less DirectDrive? headphone amplifier. Maxim's 3rd generation, filterless Class D amplifier with active emissions limiting technology provides Class AB performance with Class D efficiency.

The MAX9877 delivers up to 725mW from a 3.7V supply into an 8Ω load with 87% efficiency to extend battery life. The filterless modulation scheme combined with active emissions limiting circuitry and spread-spectrum modulation greatly reduces EMI while eliminating the need for output filtering used in traditional Class D devices.

The stereo Class AB headphone amplifier in the MAX9877 uses Maxim's patented DirectDrive architecture, that produces a ground-referenced output from a single supply, eliminating the need for large DC-blocking capacitors, saving cost, space, and component height.

The device utilizes a user-defined input architecture, three preamplifier gain settings, an input mixer, volume control, comprehensive click-and-pop suppression, and I2C control. A bypass mode feature disables the integrated Class D amplifier and utilizes an internal DPST switch to allow an external amplifier to drive the speaker that is connected at the outputs of the MAX9877.

The MAX9877 is available in a thermally efficient, space-saving 20-bump WLP package.