STMicroelectronics STPA008-QIX

Overview

STPA008-QIX from STMicroelectronics is a quad-channel Class AB audio power amplifier IC with MOSFET output stage, designed for automotive infotainment systems. It delivers up to 4 × 50 W into 4 Ω loads at maximum supply voltage, operates down to 6 V for start-stop vehicle compatibility, features integrated standby/mute functions, and provides rail-to-rail output swing via complementary P/N-channel architecture.

For engineers reviewing the STPA008-QIX datasheet, STPA008-QIX pinout, STPA008-QIX application, or STPA008-QIX equivalent, key selection considerations include its 2 Ω load capability, AEC-Q100 qualification, GSM/RF noise immunity, automute at low supply detection, and thermal protection with soft limiter - all critical for robust car radio amplifier design.

Technical Context

The STPA008-QIX implements a fully complementary P-Channel/N-Channel MOSFET output stage enabling rail-to-rail voltage swing and minimizing saturation losses. Its internal fixed 26 dB gain, SVR pin-based supply ripple rejection (70 dB typ. at 100 kHz), and ITU R-ARM weighted pop-noise suppression ensure Hi-Fi audio fidelity under dynamic battery conditions.

It integrates four independent amplifiers with shared thermal management, dual protection logic (DC offset detection on OD pin, clipping diagnostics on CD-DIAG for FW27 only), and operates across 6–18 V supply range while maintaining ≤0.02% THD at 4 W output. The Flexiwatt25 (horizontal) package enables high-power dissipation (85 W max) with 1 °C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STPA008-QIX uses the Flexiwatt25 (horizontal) package - a 25-pin thermally enhanced power package with exposed metal slug for direct heatsink mounting and optimized thermal path (R_{th j-case} = 1 °C/W). Pin numbering follows top-view layout per Figure 4 of datasheet DocID027887 Rev 2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad-channel automotive audio amplifier applications.

Compared with TDA7388 and MAX9768, STPA008-QIX uniquely combines 6 V start-stop compliance, integrated pop suppression, and MOSFET-based Class AB linearity - making it the only option meeting both Hi-Fi distortion targets (<0.02% THD) and modern OEM low-voltage battery profiles without external compensation.

Availability

STPA008-QIX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, start-stop vehicle audio modules, and hybrid vehicle head units requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 qualification, and production-ready thermal management.

Supply support for STPA008-QIX 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in automotive-grade analog, power, and microcontroller solutions with broad AEC-Q100 product coverage.

The STPA series targets high-fidelity automotive audio amplification, emphasizing low-distortion Class AB performance, robustness against battery transients, and integration of protection and noise-immunity features for next-generation infotainment platforms.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended capacitor value on the SVR pin?

The minimum recommended capacitor on the SVR pin is 10 μF. This value ensures adequate time constant for pop-noise free startup and shutdown transitions while maintaining effective supply ripple rejection. Using less than 10 μF may cause audible transients during power cycling or mute/standby state changes, especially under fast battery voltage variations typical in start-stop vehicles.

How does the automute function respond to supply voltage drops?

The automute function activates when supply voltage falls below 4.5–5.5 V (typical threshold), muting all four channels within microseconds to prevent distorted output and speaker damage. It remains active until voltage recovers above 5.5 V, then exits mute automatically - no external control signal required. This hardware-level response is independent of ST-BY or MUTE pin states.

Can STPA008-QIX drive 2 Ω loads continuously?

Yes - STPA008-QIX is explicitly rated for continuous 2 Ω operation, delivering up to 4 × 72 W at maximum supply. Its MOSFET output stage, 10 A peak current capability, and thermal limiter with soft rolloff enable sustained 2 Ω driving without latch-up or thermal shutdown under typical ambient conditions with proper heatsinking.

Is the OD (offset detector) pin open-drain or push-pull?

The OD pin is an open-drain output. It pulls low when differential output offset exceeds ±1.3 V (typ.), requiring an external pull-up resistor (typically 10 kΩ to V_CC) to generate a logic-high signal in normal operation. This configuration allows direct interfacing with microcontroller GPIOs for fault monitoring and enables wired-OR diagnostics across multiple amplifiers.