Adafruit I2S 3W Class D Amplifier Breakout - MAX98357A

The MAX98357 I2S Amp Breakout revolutionizes audio output with its all in one design for seamless integration. Ideal for digital sound projects involving Raspberry Pi or Arduino, this board effectively decodes I2S digital audio into amplified analog sound, ready for direct speaker output.

Packing a punch, this compact mono amplifier delivers 3.2 Watts of power to a 4 ohm impedance speaker using 5V power, showcasing its impressive capability in a tiny footprint. The class D controller, operational from 2.7V to 5.5V, ensures efficient performance, making it suitable for portable and battery-driven applications.

Equipped with built-in thermal and over-current protection, this amp stays cool under pressure. Outputs are "Bridge Tied," directly connecting to speakers without a ground link. The integrated PWM technology eliminates extraneous high frequencies, ensuring clean audio.

The amplifier provides versatile gain options through its Gain pin, offering five levels from 3dB to 15dB. Additionally, the ShutDown/Mode pin facilitates audio channel selection, outputting a stereo mix by default or customizable left or right channel through resistor adjustments.

Specifications include 3.2W output at 4Ω with 10% THD, no MCLK requirement, and click + pop reduction for pristine audio quality. Pre-soldered and assembled, the breakout board includes a terminal block with optional header, though some soldering for header attachment is needed. Comprehensive tutorials and schematics are available for optimized implementation.