Linearized 9-Bit Hybrid LBDD PWM Modulator for Digital Class-BD Amplifier

The paper presents an original architecture and implementation of 9-bit Linearized Pulse Width Modulator (LPWM) for Class-BD amplifier, based on the hybrid method using STM32 microcontroller and Programmable Tapped Delay Line (PTDL). The analog input signals are converted into 12-bit PCM signals, then are directly transformed into 32-bit LBDD DPWM data of the pulse-edge locations within n-th period of the switching frequency, next requantized to the 9-bit digital outputs, and finally converted into the two physical trains of 1-bit PWM signals, to control the output stage of the Class-BD audio amplifier. The hybrid 9-bit quantizer converts 6 MSB bits using counter method, based on the peripherals of STM32 microcontroller, while the remaining 3 LSB bits - using a method based on the PTDL. In the paper extensive verification of algorithm and circuit operation as well as simulation in MATLAB and experimental results of the proposed 9-bit hybrid LBDD DPWM circuit have been performed. It allows to attain SNR of 80 dB and THD about 0,3% within the audio baseband.