Diagram for Reference

The compact, low-cost condenser mic audio amplifier described here provides good-quality audio of 0.5 watts at 4.5 volts. It can be used as part of intercoms, walkie-talkies, low-power transmitters, and packet radio receivers. Transistors T1 and T2 form the mic preamplifier. Resistor R1 provides the necessary bias for the condenser mic while preset VR1 functions as gain control for varying its gain. In order to increase the audio power, the low-level audio output from the preamplifier stage is coupled via coupling capacitor C7 to the audio power amplifier built around BEL1895 IC.


BEL1895 is a monolithic audio power amplifier IC designed specifically for sensitive AM radio applications that delivers 1 watt into 4 ohms at 6V power supply voltage. It exhibits low distortion and noise and operates over 3V-9V supply voltage, which makes it ideal for battery operation. A turn-on pop reduction circuit prevents thud when the power supply is switched on. Coupling capacitor C7 determines low-frequency response of the amplifier. Capacitor C9 acts as the ripple-rejection filter.

Capacitor C13 couples the output available at pin 1 to the loudspeaker. R15-C13 combination acts as the damping circuit for output oscillations. Capacitor C12 provides the boot strapping function. This circuit is suitable for low-power HAM radio transmitters to supply the necessary audio power for modulation. With simple modifications it can also be used in intercom circuits.

This circuit of multimedia speakers for PCs has single-chip-based design, low-voltage power supply, compatibility with USB power, easy heat-sinking, low cost, high flexibility and wide temperature tolerance. At the heart of the circuit is IC TDA2822M. This IC is, in fact, mono-lithic type in 8-lead mini DIP package. It is intended for use as a dual audio power amplifier in battery-powered sound players. Specifications of TDA2822M are low quiescent current, low crossover distortion, supply voltage down to 1.8 volts and minimum output power of around 450 mW/channel with 4-ohm loudspeaker at 5V DC supply input.

An ideal power amplifier can be simply defined as a circuit that can deliver audio power into external loads without generating significant signal distortion and without consuming excessive quiescent current. This circuit is powered by 5V DC supply available from the USB port of the PC. When power switch S1 is flipped to ‘on’ position, 5V power supply is extended to the circuit and power-indicator red LED1 lights up instantly. Resistor R1 is a current surge limiter and capacitors C1 and C4 act as buffers. Working of the circuit is simple. Audio signals from the PC audio socket/headphone socket are fed to the amplifier circuit through components R2 and C2 (left channel), and R3 and C3 (right channel).

Circuit diagram:

USB Powered Audio Power Amplifier Circuit Diagram

Potmeter VR1 works as the volume controller for left (L) channel and potmeter VR2 works for right (R) channel. Pin 7 of TDA2822M receives the left-channel sound signals and pin 6 receives the right-channel signals through VR1 and VR2, respectively. Ampl i f ied signals for driving the left and right loudspeakers are available at pins 1 and 3 of IC1, respectively. Components R5 and C8, and R6 and C10 form the traditional zobel network. Assemble the circuit on a medium-size, general-purpose PCB and enclose in a suitable cabinet. It is advisable to use a socket for IC TDA2822M. The external connections should be made using suitably screened wires for better result.

Author: T.K. Hareendran - Copyright: EFY Mag