18W Audio Power Amplifier Circuit using Transistors

18W Audio Power Amplifier Circuit

18W Audio Power Amplifier Circuit designing an audio amplifier capable of delivering a decent output power with a minimum parts count, without sacrificing quality. The Power Amplifier section employs only four transistors and a handful of resistors and capacitors in a shunt feedback configuration but can deliver more than 18W into 8 Ohm with 0.08% THD @ 1KHz at the onset of clipping (0.04% @ 1W – 1KHz and 0.02% @ 1W – 10KHz) and up to 30W into a 4 Ohm load

 

18W Audio Power Amplifier Circuit

18W Audio Power Amplifier Circuit

To obtain such a performance and to ensure the overall stability of this very simple circuitry, a suitable regulated dc power supply is mandatory. This is not a snag because it also helps in keeping the noise and hum of the preamp to very low levels and guarantees a predictable output power into different load impedance.

Working of Power Amplifier Circuit

  • This circuit Can be directly connected to CD players, tuners, and tape recorders.
  • Do not exceed 23 + 23V supply.
  • Q3 and Q4 must be mounted on the heatsink.
  • D1 must be in thermal contact with Q1.
  • Quiescent current (best measured with an Avo-meter in series with Q3 Emitter) is not critical.
  • Adjust R3 to read a current between 20 to 30 mA with no input signal.
  • To facilitate quiescent current setting add R8 (optional).
  • A correct grounding is very important to eliminate hum and ground loops. Connect to the same point the ground sides of J1, P1, C2, C3 & C4. Connect C6 to the output ground.
  • Connect separately the input and output grounds to the power supply ground.

Components for 18W Audio Power Amplifier Circuit

P1_____________22K Log. Potentiometer (Dual-gang for stereo)

R1______________1K 1/4W Resistor
R2______________4K7 1/4W Resistor
R3____________100R 1/4W Resistor
R4______________4K7 1/4W Resistor
R5_____________82K 1/4W Resistor
R6_____________10R 1/2W Resistor
R7_______________R22 4W Resistor (wirewound)
R8______________1K 1/2W Trimmer Cermet (optional)

C1____________470nF 63V Polyester Capacitor
C2,C5_________100µF 3V Tantalum bead Capacitors
C3,C4_________470µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitors
C6____________100nF 63V Polyester Capacitor

D1___________1N4148 75V 150mA Diode

IC1________TLE2141C Low noise, high voltage, high slew-rate Op-amp

Q1____________BC182 50V 100mA NPN Transistor
Q2____________BC212 50V 100mA PNP Transistor
Q3___________TIP42A 60V 6A PNP Transistor
Q4___________TIP41A 60V 6A NPN Transistor

J1______________RCA audio input socket

Power Supply Components

R9______________2K2 1/4W Resistor

C7,C8________4700µF 25V Electrolytic Capacitors

D2_____________100V 4A Diode bridge
D3_____________5mm. Red LED

T1_____________220V Primary, 15 + 15V Secondary, 50VA Mains transformer

PL1____________Male Mains plug

SW1____________SPST Mains switch

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