Stereo 2.1W Class D Audio Amplifier - TPA2012

by Adafruit

This incredibly small stereo amplifier is surprisingly powerful - able to deliver 2 x 2.1W channels into 4 ohm impedance speakers (@ 10% THD).

Inside the miniature chip is a class D controller, able to run from 2.7V-5.5VDC. Since the amp is a class D, it's incredibly efficient (89% efficient when driving an 8Ω speaker at 1.5 Watt) - making it perfect for portable and battery-powered projects. It has built in thermal and over-current protection but we could barely tell it got hot. This board is a welcome upgrade to basic "LM386" amps!

The inputs of the amplifier go through 1.0uF capacitors, so they are fully 'differential' - if you don't have differential outputs, simply tie the R- and L- to ground. The outputs are "Bridge Tied" - that means they connect directly to the outputs, no connection to ground. The output is a ~300KHz square wave PWM that is then 'averaged out' by the speaker coil - the high frequencies are not heard. All the above means that you can't connect the output into another amplifier, it should drive the speakers directly.

Comes with a fully assembled and tested breakout board with 1.0uF input capacitors. It also includes a dual mini DIP switch for setting the amplifier gain on the fly, 3.5mm screw-terminal blocks so you can easily attach/detach your speakers, and some header in case you want to plug it into a breadboard. You will be ready to rock in 15 minutes! Speakers are not included, use any 4 ohm or 8 ohm impedance speakers.

  • Output Power: 2.1W at 4Ω, 10% THD, 1.4W at 8Ω, 10% THD, with 5V Supply
  • PSRR: 77 dB typ @ 217 Hz with 6 dB gain
  • Designed for use without an output filter, when wires are kept at under 2"-4" long
  • Four pin-selectable gains: 6dB, 12dB, 18dB and 24dB. Select with the onboard switches or by setting the G0 and G1 breakout pins (see schematic for breakout board showing gain pin settings for details)
  • Excellent click-and-pop suppression
  • Thermal shutdown protection
  • Independent channel shutdown
  • Low current draw: typ 6mA quiescent and 1.5uA in shutdown mode

Check out the tutorial for more details!

Note: The terminal blocks included with your product may be blue or black.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

  • Dimensions (without 0.1" header): 22.96mm / 0.9" x 28.33mm / 1.11" x 4.97mm / 0.19"
  • Weight: 2.56g

Revision History: As of May 23, 2016 Adafruit have updated this breakout to use the TPA2012 rather than the TS2012. This is an overall-equivalent part with slightly less power output. You can use the two interchangeably for 99% of projects. The TS2012 has been discontinued!

Datasheets, schematics, PCB files, Fritzing object and more in the tutorial!

8 customer reviews

3 years ago
Bought the Pi 3a+ it to run OctoPrint. I was concerned that 512MB of RAM wouldn’t hack it but it’s works perfectly. Delivery was quick within 48hrs.
by Conor about Raspberry Pi 3 A+ via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
The Pi 3A+ specification was a good match for my application of installing MotionEyeOS to be used for a security camera and occasionally as a wildlife camera. I have made these with the Pi Zero and the Pi 3 A+ provides a better performance in a suitably compact size. My camera project fitted into a standard 68WX100LX50H sealed, clear lid box. This allowed the camera to be mounted inside to look through the lid to protect it and the Pi from the elements. I also prefer the camera connection this model compared to the zero that is more delicate or prone to connection issues. I was particularly grateful to be able to buy this board at times of short supply at the standard price prior to the shortage. Thanks Pimoroni!
by ERIC about Raspberry Pi 3 A+ via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
I can't believe how small and powerful these things have gotten! Pint size power! I have been faithfully using Raspberry PI's since the model B, so its been about 10 years now! I have to say that I recon this is one of the best inventions of the century! It can only get smaller and more powerful from here on out! Pimoroni is the best place to get PI'S in general, and the only place to get them at the moment! I used this one to build a MT32 PI to go with another amazing invention, The MiSTer FPGA... Thanks Pimoroni!
by James about Raspberry Pi 3 A+ via REVIEWS.io
3 years ago
Paired with Emu68 this is something my beloved Amiga500 loves very much! :)
by Teemu about Raspberry Pi 3 A+ via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
While many people will try to always go for the newest or fastest boards - and even overclocking, there are many other times, particularly in audio applications where circuit noise and RF are what you need to avoid. The Pi has long been criticised for the way it shares its Ethernet port with the onboard USB port and the extra USB ports on most Pi's are noisy as implemented as a hub, not individual channels. This is where the Model 3A scores massively. By ditching the noisy Pi's Ethernet implementation along with the unnecessary extra USB ports, you get a board that is very, very quiet from the RF standpoint - ideal for hifi audio HAT's. Add in the lower current draw and you have the ideal Pi for high definition audio. Fabricate a simple HAT-sized screening plate mounted from 2mm copper like I did and you place a virtual Faraday cage screen for your HAT, killing any Pi circuit noise stone dead. Perfect! Forget the 3B and faster but noisy 4, get this and take a giant step on your journey towards audio utopia!
by Neil about Raspberry Pi 3 A+ via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Worked spot on for the game emulator I made for my son to show him what games were like when I was younger a lot younger
by john about Raspberry Pi 3 A+ via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Excellent, Bought f0r the purpose of powering an MT32pi with the MiSTer hat, rather than use a larger "full fat" raspberry pi. Runs cool and flawlessly, providing an excellent recreation of the Roland MT32 with my MiSTer. Delivery was very fast as usual from Pimoroni.
by Anonymous about Raspberry Pi 3 A+ via REVIEWS.io

9 user photos