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When selecting an audio amplifier that fits your needs, the TPA3118D2 and TPA3116D2, both from Texas Instruments (TI), are often top choices for designers. These two Class-D amplifiers offer nearly identical performance, including high efficiency, excellent signal quality, and a comprehensive set of protection features. However, they differ in thermal design and power handling capabilities, making it essential to understand these distinctions to ensure that the amplifier meets your power and thermal management requirements.
TPA3118 Description
The TPA3118D2 is a highly efficient Class-D stereo audio amplifier from Texas Instruments, designed to deliver up to 2 × 30 W into 8 Ω speakers without the need for an external heatsink when implemented on a dual-layer PCB. As part of the TPA31xxD2 family, it shares a common footprint with its lower and higher power counterparts, allowing a single PCB design to be scaled across a range of power outputs. This makes it an ideal solution for compact, high-performance audio systems requiring flexibility in power configuration. Its integrated PowerPAD enhances thermal management, enabling reliable performance at elevated output levels.
Engineered with a sophisticated oscillator and phase-locked loop (PLL) system, the TPA3118D2 offers multiple selectable switching frequencies to minimize AM radio interference. It supports both master and slave synchronization modes, making it suitable for multi-channel or parallel amplifier setups. The device also incorporates comprehensive protection features, including thermal shutdown, short-circuit, over/undervoltage, and DC fault detection. These protections ensure safe operation and system integrity, while real-time fault reporting allows proactive response from the system controller during abnormal conditions.
TPA3116 Description
The TPA3116D2 is a robust and versatile Class-D stereo audio amplifier capable of delivering up to 2 × 50 W into 4 Ω speakers with the assistance of a compact heatsink on its integrated top-side PowerPAD. It is part of the pin-compatible TPA31xxD2 series, enabling designers to use a unified PCB layout while scaling power levels across various system requirements. With high efficiency and a compact footprint, the TPA3116D2 is ideal for demanding audio applications such as soundbars, wireless speakers, and home audio systems that require elevated output power without compromising thermal performance.
Featuring a flexible oscillator and PLL architecture, the TPA3116D2 allows users to select from multiple switching frequencies to minimize electromagnetic interference with AM bands. The device supports both master and slave synchronization, facilitating multi-device operation in larger audio systems. Comprehensive built-in protections—including overtemperature, output short-circuit, undervoltage, overvoltage, and DC fault protection—enhance system reliability. Real-time fault feedback is provided to the host processor, ensuring safe shutdown and preventing potential damage during fault conditions.
TPA3118 vs TPA3116: Parameters
The TPA3118D2 and TPA3116D2 are both high-performance stereo Class-D audio amplifiers from Texas Instruments, offering identical electrical characteristics and performance metrics, such as output power, efficiency, and signal integrity. While their core specifications are the same, the primary distinction lies in their thermal design and practical power-handling capabilities in various PCB configurations. This makes the TPA3116D2 more suitable for higher power applications with heatsink support, whereas the TPA3118D2 is optimized for compact layouts with efficient passive cooling.
TPA3118D2 Parameters:
- l Audio Input Type: Analog Input
- l Architecture: Class-D
- l Maximum Speaker Channels: Stereo
- l Rating: Catalog
- l Power Supply Range: 4.5 V to 26 V
- l Minimum Load Impedance: 4 Ω
- l Output Power: Up to 50 W
- l Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 102 dB
- l Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) at 1 kHz: 0.1%
- l Quiescent Current (Typical): 20 mA
- l Control Interface: Hardware
- l Loop Configuration: Closed Loop
- l Analog Supply Voltage Range: 4.5 V to 26 V
- l Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR): 70 dB
- l Operating Temperature Range: –40°C to 85°C
TPA3116D2 Parameters:
- l Audio Input Type: Analog Input
- l Architecture: Class-D
- l Maximum Speaker Channels: Stereo
- l Rating: Catalog
- l Power Supply Range: 4.5 V to 26 V
- l Minimum Load Impedance: 4 Ω
- l Output Power: Up to 50 W
- l Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 102 dB
- l Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) at 1 kHz: 0.1%
- l Quiescent Current (Typical): 20 mA
- l Control Interface: Hardware
- l Loop Configuration: Closed Loop
- l Analog Supply Voltage Range: 4.5 V to 26 V
- l Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR): 70 dB
- l Operating Temperature Range: –40°C to 85°C
TPA3118 vs TPA3116: Features
The TPA3118D2 and TPA3116D2 share a nearly identical feature set, both designed to deliver high-efficiency Class-D audio amplification with advanced modulation, broad power flexibility, and robust protection. The key difference lies in their thermal design and output power performance under different configurations, making the TPA3116D2 better suited for higher-power applications with a heatsink, while the TPA3118D2 offers compact efficiency ideal for medium-power systems without active cooling.
TPA3118D2 Key Features:
- 2 × 30 W into 8 Ω at 24 V without heatsink on a dual-layer PCB
- High power efficiency >90% with low idle loss for minimal heat generation
- Advanced modulation with multiple switching frequencies and AM interference avoidance
- Supports both differential and single-ended inputs for flexible signal interfacing
- Comprehensive protection circuits: over/undervoltage, overtemperature, DC detect, short-circuit, with error reporting
TPA3116D2 Key Features:
- 2 × 50 W into 4 Ω at 21 V with top-side PowerPAD heatsink support
- >90% efficiency enabling reduced heatsink requirements even at higher outputs
- Master-slave synchronization with programmable power limit and up to 1.2 MHz switching
- Flexible input options: differential and single-ended, plus stereo/mono support
- Integrated fault protection system with thermal shutdown and system feedback
TPA3118 vs TPA3116: What are Differences
The TPA3118D2 and TPA3116D2 are part of the same pin-compatible Class-D amplifier family from Texas Instruments, offering nearly identical electrical performance and feature sets. However, their primary differences lie in thermal design, output power handling, and physical packaging, which define their suitability for different system architectures. The TPA3116D2 is optimized for higher power outputs with heatsink support, while the TPA3118D2 is tailored for compact applications without active cooling, making it ideal for space-constrained designs.
Parameter |
TPA3118D2 |
TPA3116D2 |
Output Power (Typical) |
2 × 30 W into 8 Ω at 24 V (no heatsink, 2-layer PCB) |
2 × 50 W into 4 Ω at 21 V (requires heatsink) |
Thermal Design |
PowerPAD located on bottom (pad down, better for PCB cooling) |
PowerPAD located on top (pad up, optimized for heatsink) |
PCB Requirements |
No external heatsink needed for rated output |
Requires heatsink or thermal interface material for full output |
Power Handling Efficiency |
Optimized for medium power with minimal heat dissipation |
Supports higher power levels with thermal assistance |
Application Suitability |
Compact systems, passive cooling, portable devices |
High-output systems, soundbars, active speakers |
TPA3118 vs TPA3116: Which is better and How to Choose
Determining whether the TPA3118D2 or TPA3116D2 is better depends entirely on the intended application and system design constraints. Technically, both chips offer identical electrical characteristics—such as signal-to-noise ratio, efficiency, and protection features—so the decision is less about audio performance and more about thermal management and power output needs. The TPA3116D2 is designed to handle higher output power (up to 2 × 50 W into 4 Ω) and incorporates a top-side PowerPAD that allows for external heatsinking. This makes it the better choice for power-hungry audio systems like active bookshelf speakers, wireless home audio, or soundbars where space and cooling resources are available.
On the other hand, the TPA3118D2 is more suitable for compact or thermally constrained applications, such as portable speakers or embedded audio systems, where passive cooling is preferred. It delivers excellent performance—up to 2 × 30 W into 8 Ω—without requiring an external heatsink, especially when implemented on a thermally optimized dual-layer PCB. If your design prioritizes space-saving, ease of thermal management, or minimal cooling overhead, the TPA3118D2 offers greater integration flexibility. In summary, choose the TPA3116D2 for maximum power and heatsink capability, and go with the TPA3118D2 for compact designs and simplified thermal design.
TPA3118 and TPA3116 Datasheet Download
Download TPA3118 datasheet pdf>>
Download TPA3116 datasheet pdf>>
TPA3118 and TPA3116 Manufacturer
Both the TPA3118D2 and TPA3116D2 are manufactured by Texas Instruments (TI), a leading global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, USA.
Texas Instruments is widely recognized for its high-quality analog and embedded processing products, including a broad portfolio of audio amplifiers. The TPA31xxD2 series exemplifies TI’s expertise in developing efficient, reliable, and feature-rich Class-D audio solutions, designed for a wide range of consumer, industrial, and automotive applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the TPA3118D2 and TPA3116D2 ultimately depends on your application and design constraints. The TPA3116D2 is better suited for high-power audio systems that require external heatsinking, while the TPA3118D2 is ideal for compact designs with passive cooling. Whether you're designing high-power sound systems or space-constrained portable devices, both amplifiers deliver exceptional audio performance and efficiency, providing reliable support for your audio applications.
FAQ
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Can I use the same PCB for both TPA3118 and TPA3116?
Yes, both devices share a common footprint, allowing for the same PCB layout to be used across different power levels. This makes it easier for designers to scale the power output while maintaining design consistency.
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Can I synchronize multiple TPA3118 or TPA3116 devices?
Yes, both the TPA3118 and TPA3116 offer master-slave synchronization, allowing multiple devices to be synchronized for multi-channel or parallel amplifier setups.
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What type of audio output configuration do the TPA3118 and TPA3116 support?
Both devices support stereo audio output and can operate in mono mode with a single-filter mono configuration for certain setups.
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