TDA2030A

The TDA2030A from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic class-AB audio power amplifier in a Pentawatt-5 package, delivering 18W into a 4Ω load at ±16V supply with only 0.5% distortion, or 12W into 8Ω. At moderate power levels (0.1-14W), the THD drops to just 0.08% at 1kHz, making it suitable for hi-fi applications. The device features built-in short-circuit protection that automatically limits the dissipated power to keep the output transistors within their safe operating area, as well as conventional thermal shutdown at 145°C junction temperature. The 3.5A peak output current and 100kHz power bandwidth ensure excellent dynamic performance. When used as a driver with an external complementary transistor pair, the TDA2030A can deliver up to 35W output power. The A suffix denotes the improved version with VS max = 44V (vs 36V for the original TDA2030), providing greater reliability in unregulated supply applications. Note: ST has marked this product as obsolete/EOL, but it remains widely available from distributors.

The TDA2030A is a class-AB push-pull audio amplifier. The input signal is applied to the non-inverting input (pin 1), which feeds a differential input stage. The differential stage drives a voltage amplifier stage, which in turn drives the complementary push-pull output stage (NPN and PNP power transistors in series between V+ and V-). In class-AB operation, a small bias current flows through both output transistors at idle, eliminating the crossover distortion that occurs in pure class-B designs when the signal transitions from one transistor to the other. The closed-loop voltage gain is set by external resistors: the feedback resistor from the output (pin 4) to the inverting input (pin 2) and the resistor from pin 2 to ground determine the gain. The typical configuration provides 26dB (×20) gain. The 8V/µs slew rate limits the maximum rate of output voltage change, which affects high-frequency large-signal performance. The short-circuit protection monitors the output current and voltage across the output transistors; when the safe operating area (SOA) is exceeded, the drive to the output stage is reduced, limiting dissipation. The thermal shutdown uses a temperature sensor on the die; when junction temperature reaches 145°C, the output stage is disabled until the device cools.

TDA2030A uses the Pentawatt-5 (TO-220-5) package with audio power amplifier pinout: Pin 1 = Non-inverting Input (+), Pin 2 = Inverting Input (-), Pin 3 = VEE (-V or GND), Pin 4 = Output (to speaker), Pin 5 = VCC (+V). The tab is electrically connected to Pin 3 (VEE/GND). The split-supply operation (±6V to ±18V) allows direct capacitor-less coupling to the speaker. In single-supply configuration, a 2200µF output coupling capacitor is required. The device provides 18W into 4Ω at ±14V. Input impedance is typically 5MΩ (non-inverting). The SOA protection includes output short-circuit to ground and across supply rails, thermal shutdown at 145°C, and overvoltage clamping.

• 18W Hi-Fi Amp: ±16V split supply, 4Ω speaker; gain set by feedback R network; output coupling capacitor not needed with split supply
• Single-Supply Amp: V+=24V, GND=0V; output biased at V+/2 via voltage divider; 2200µF coupling capacitor to speaker
• 35W Driver: TDA2030A drives external BDV64/BDV65 complementary pair; base drive from pin 4; higher current and power output
• Car Audio: 12V single supply; ~5W into 4Ω; bridge two TDA2030A in BTL for ~15W into 4Ω from 12V
• Active Speaker: PC speaker or practice amp; ±12V supply, 8Ω; compact heatsink required (RθJC = 3°C/W)

TDA2030A is an 18W mono Class-AB audio power amplifier in PENTAWATT-5 (TO-220-5) package with ±18V maximum supply. The TDA2040 (22W) and TDA2050 (32W) scale output power in the same pinout. For modern Class-D efficiency, TPA3116D2 offers 50W stereo at 92% efficiency. The TDA2030A requires only 5 external components and includes thermal shutdown and short-circuit protection.