Diodes Incorporated PAM8902ZER-P

Overview

PAM8902ZER-P from Diodes Incorporated is a mono Class-D audio amplifier with integrated 1.5MHz boost converter, designed specifically for driving piezoelectric and ceramic speakers. It delivers 30 VPP (10.6 Vrms) output from a 3.6 V supply, supports selectable gain modes (18/22/26 dB), and integrates thermal, overvoltage, undervoltage, and short-circuit protection in a 16-ball CSP package.

For engineers reviewing the PAM8902ZER-P datasheet, PAM8902ZER-P pinout, PAM8902ZER-P application, or PAM8902ZER-P equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meanings of key specs, validated pin functions, and confirmed alternative options for ceramic speaker drive circuits requiring high-voltage swing from low-input rails.

Technical Context

The PAM8902ZER-P integrates a fixed-frequency 1.5 MHz boost converter generating 8 V / 12 V / 17.5 V outputs via VSET pin configuration, enabling direct drive of high-impedance piezo loads without external HV amplification. Its fully differential Class-D stage operates at 225–475 kHz switching frequency with built-in low-pass filtering to suppress PWM carrier noise.

It implements programmable soft-start, three discrete gain settings via GSET pin logic states, and comprehensive protection including thermal shutdown with 30°C hysteresis, latch-free OTP recovery, and non-latching UVLO at 2.2 V with 0.2 V hysteresis - all optimized for space-constrained portable audio systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-ball CSP (1.95 mm × 1.95 mm, 0.4 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, moisture-sensitive level 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar mono Class-D piezo driver applications.

Compared with TAS5707RTWR and MAX9788ETE+, the PAM8902ZER-P uniquely combines 17.5 V programmable boost, 30 VPP output, and pin-selectable gain in a 1.95 mm × 1.95 mm CSP - making it the only option capable of full-amplitude piezo actuation from a single 3.6 V Li-ion cell without external HV circuitry.

Availability

PAM8902ZER-P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless handsets, portable DVD players, electronic dictionaries, and digital still cameras requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for PAM8902ZER-P includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in power management, signal integrity, and precision analog solutions for consumer, industrial, and computing markets.

The PAM8902 belongs to Diodes' Piezo/Ceramic Speaker Driver product line, engineered to replace bulky transformer-based or multi-IC solutions with single-chip, high-efficiency Class-D amplifiers that deliver high-voltage swing from low-input rails.

FAQ

What is the maximum ceramic speaker impedance the PAM8902ZER-P can drive effectively?

The PAM8902ZER-P is optimized for high-impedance piezoelectric and ceramic speakers ranging from 10 kΩ to 100 kΩ. Its 30 VPP output swing and low output impedance (<1 Ω) ensure full actuation across this range without current-limiting distortion. Performance degrades above 100 kΩ due to capacitive loading effects on the Class-D output stage.

Can the PAM8902ZER-P operate without an external Schottky diode?

Yes - the external Schottky diode may be omitted only when VSET = GND or floating AND load capacitance ≤1 µF AND signal frequency <4 kHz. For haptic applications (50–500 Hz) or full-audio bandwidth operation, the diode is mandatory to maintain efficiency and prevent thermal stress on the internal switch.

How does the VSET pin affect boost converter efficiency and thermal performance?

VSET selects boost output voltage: 8 V (GND), 12 V (floating), or 17.5 V (AVDD). Higher VSET settings increase PVCC voltage and enable greater speaker swing but raise quiescent current (e.g., 48 mA at 17.5 V vs. 12 mA at 8 V) and junction temperature. Thermal design must scale accordingly - θJA is 90°C/W in CSP package.

Is the PAM8902ZER-P pin-compatible with other variants in the PAM8902 family?

No - PAM8902ZER-P uses the 16-ball CSP package, while PAM8902KER-P uses QFN4x4-16. Pin numbering differs between packages despite identical bump-to-pin mapping. Layouts are not interchangeable; PCB redesign is required when switching packages. The "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGN" note applies only to the legacy PAM8902H variant, not ZER-P.