SLAAE48 May   2025 TAS5825M

 

  1.   1
  2.   Abstract
  3.   Trademarks
  4. 1Introduction
  5. 2Smart Amp Fundamentals
    1. 2.1 Speaker Basics and Models
    2. 2.2 Smart Amp Algorithm
  6. 3Preparation Work
    1. 3.1 Hardware Preparation
    2. 3.2 Software Preparation
    3. 3.3 Speaker Information
  7. 4Speaker Characterization
    1. 4.1 Characterization Set-up
    2. 4.2 Characterization Process
    3. 4.3 Speaker Characterization Guide
      1. 4.3.1 Hardware Connection
      2. 4.3.2 Power Up
      3. 4.3.3 Software Configuration
      4. 4.3.4 Speaker Characterization
        1. 4.3.4.1 Preparation
        2. 4.3.4.2 Speaker Type Selection
        3. 4.3.4.3 IV Measurement
        4. 4.3.4.4 Determine BL
        5. 4.3.4.5 Thermal Measurement
        6. 4.3.4.6 SPL Measurement
        7. 4.3.4.7 Safe Operating Area
        8. 4.3.4.8 Speaker Model Export
  8. 5Smart Amp Tuning and Verification
    1. 5.1 Smart Amp Tuning Guide
      1. 5.1.1  System Check
      2. 5.1.2  Choose Processing Flow
      3. 5.1.3  Import Speaker Model
      4. 5.1.4  Analog Gain Setting
      5. 5.1.5  Adjust System Gain
      6. 5.1.6  Equalizer Setting
      7. 5.1.7  Smart Bass Tuning
      8. 5.1.8  Bass Compensation
        1. 5.1.8.1 Corner Frequency
        2. 5.1.8.2 Alignment Order and Type
      9. 5.1.9  Max Level Tuning
        1. 5.1.9.1 Xmax
        2. 5.1.9.2 LAE Frequency
        3. 5.1.9.3 Power Limit
        4. 5.1.9.4 Attack, Decay, Energy
      10. 5.1.10 Anti Clipper
    2. 5.2 Smart Amp Verification
      1. 5.2.1 SPL Response Verification
      2. 5.2.2 Thermal Protection Verification
  9. 6Summary
  10. 7References

1 Introduction

With the deep understanding of the speaker characteristics and behaviors, TI’s smart amp offers an advanced, intelligent and configurable processing flows to produce more powerful and richer sound than conventional systems without incurring speaker damages from either over-heat or over-excursion. To achieve a satisfying acoustic effect and robust speaker protection with TI’s smart amp, both an understanding of audio and speaker fundamentals and the appropriate implementation of the speaker characterization and performance tuning are needed.

Thus, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive introduction of TI’s smart amp technology and an easy-to-use guideline to facilitate the rapid implementation of smart amp with TAS5825M.

TAS5825M Comparison of Conventional and Smart Amp SystemsFigure 1-1 Comparison of Conventional and Smart Amp Systems

In conventional audio systems, as demonstrated in Figure 1-1, to prevent the speaker from being damaged during audio playback, the outputs of the amplifiers are typically limited within the ratings of the speaker by compressors and high-pass filters. However, the tuning results of conventional systems tend to be too conservative and lead to the poor dynamic range and bass performance in consequence.

On the contrary, based on the accurate modeling of the speaker’s mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, TI’s smart amp can dynamically monitor the speaker’s excursion and thermal behavior, predict the potential damage situations and take timely precautions to make sure the speaker is within the safe-operating-area (SOA) at all times. Therefore, the potential of both the speakers and amplifiers can be fully utilized to deliver stunning sound quality without causing speaker damages. In the meanwhile, transient peaks of the audio signals are no longer strictly limited or compressed, which can extend the dynamic range of the music and enhance the bass performance with far more depth and punch.

The typical implementation of TI’s smart amp can be divided into two parts, namely, the speaker characterization and the smart amp tuning, and Figure 1-2 shows the general steps of smart amp application with TAS5825M.

TAS5825M Application Steps of Smart Amp With TAS5825MFigure 1-2 Application Steps of Smart Amp With TAS5825M

As illustrated above, the speaker characterization mainly consists of the set-up with the speaker learning board and Purepath™ Console 3 (PPC3) software, the characterization of speaker’s electromechanical model and thermal model, and the output of the speaker models. The smart tuning process includes the set-up of TAS5825M and PPC3 software, the import of speaker models, the smart bass tuning and the verification of the smart amp.