What is a Class D audio power Amplifier?

In simple terms: a Class D audio power amplifier is a switching amplifier. But to fully understand how Class D audio power amplifiers work, a deeper understanding is needed. Traditional amplifiers, such as Class AB, operate as linear devices. Compare this to a switched amplifier, so named because a power transistor (MOSFET) acts like a switch, changing its state from off to on. This allows for very high efficiency, up to 80-95%. Therefore, the amplifier does not produce a lot of heat and does not require a large heat sink like a linear Class AB amplifier. In contrast, a Class B amplifier can only achieve a maximum efficiency of 78.5% (theoretically).

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