Patent attributes
This application relates to amplifier circuits for amplifying an audio signal. An amplifier circuit (100) has a voltage regulator (201) for outputting a supply voltage to an amplifier (104). An output capacitor (103) coupled to an output node of the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is operable in a voltage-control mode to maintain the output voltage (VS) at a nominal output voltage and in current-control mode to limit the input current drawn to exceed a defined limit. A controller (301) is operable in a first mode to define the nominal output voltage so as not to exceed a first voltage magnitude and in a second mode to define the nominal output voltage to be equal to a second, higher, voltage magnitude. The controller (301) monitors the audio signal for a high-amplitude part of the audio signal, that could result in the voltage regulator operating in the current-control mode to apply current limiting and, on such detection swaps from the first to the second mode until such a high-amplitude part of the audio signal has been amplified. The second voltage magnitude is greater than required for voltage headroom for amplifying the high-amplitude part of the audio signal so as to allow for a voltage droop of the output voltage over a plurality of switching cycles of the voltage regulator when operating in the current-control mode.
