SparkFun Qwiic Speaker Amp

The SparkFun Qwiic Speaker Amp is a high-quality audio power amplifier with a host of useful features. It includes the Texas Instruments TPA2016D2 stereo, a filter-free class-D audio power amplifier. Its unique features include volume control, Dynamic Range Compression (DRC), Automatic Gain Control (AGC), and the ability to enable or disable the amplifier. The amplifier can also be configured through software via I²C. Its class-D operation ensures low heat and long battery life, making it ideal for driving 4Ω speakers at up to 2.8W in stereo, and 8Ω speakers at up to 1.7W in stereo.

The DRC and AGC features of the SparkFun Qwiic Speaker Amp allow for the evening out of loud and quiet sections from your audio input. This helps to maximize the volume of your speakers. By fine-tuning the settings, you can get the most volume to prevent distortion of the audio signal. Using the DRC, AGC, and/or the limiter alone allows you to protect your speakers from getting damaged by extremely loud playback. The amplifier can be easily controlled using an extensive Arduino Library.

The SparkFun Qwiic Speaker Amp is designed to be user-friendly. Screw terminals are provided for the audio input, power, shutdown, and speaker output. A 3.5mm TRS connector is included as an alternative to easily insert an audio cable. A power LED is included on the board to indicate when power is applied to the amplifier through VIN. The board can be powered with the same power supply as the microcontroller via the Qwiic connector's 3.3V pin.

The SparkFun Qwiic Speaker Amp is perfect for projects that require amplifying an audio signal for small, differential speakers. This breakout is also great when pairing it with your smartphone, computer, portable digital player, or any audio boards. It can be used in your next portable projects such as sound effects for your spooky Halloween pumpkin, wearable costumes, props, talking greeting cards, or USB speakers.

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I²C sensors, actuators, shields, and cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This reduces the amount of required PCB space, and polarized connections mean you can’t hook it up wrong.

Features of the SparkFun Qwiic Speaker Amp include a Texas Instruments TPA2016D2 Stereo Class-D Audio Amplifier, voltage input, low supply current, low shutdown current, stereo output, 1x 3.5mm TRS Jack for Audio Input, screw terminals, 1x 4-pin Qwiic Connector, built-in I²C Pull-Up Resistors (2.2kΩ), LED, and jumpers. The board dimensions are 43.18mm x 25.4mm.