Digitaalvõimendi

Digitaalvõimendi, also known as a switching amplifier or Class D amplifier, is an electronic amplifier that amplifies voltage or current using switching active devices, like transistors, that are switched fully on or off. Unlike traditional analog amplifiers that operate in their linear region, digital amplifiers operate in a non-linear mode. This switching action allows for significantly higher efficiency, meaning less power is wasted as heat.

The core principle of a digital amplifier involves converting the analog input signal into a pulse-width modulated (PWM) or similar digital signal. This digital representation of the audio signal is then amplified by the switching transistors. After amplification, a low-pass filter is used to remove the high-frequency switching components, reconstructing the amplified analog audio signal. This process results in a much lower power consumption and heat generation compared to analog amplifiers of similar power output.

Digital amplifiers offer advantages such as smaller size, lighter weight, and reduced need for large heatsinks. They are widely used in various applications, including portable audio devices, car stereos, televisions, and professional audio equipment. The efficiency of digital amplifiers makes them particularly suitable for battery-powered devices and systems where heat dissipation is a concern. While early digital amplifiers faced criticism regarding sound quality, modern designs have largely overcome these limitations, offering comparable or even superior audio performance to their analog counterparts.