LM3886: #3) BPA200 - 200W Bridged/Parallel AB Amp

If the bridged and parallel configurations are combined, the outcome is a very high power amplifier solution that far exceeds the capabilities of one IC alone, while maintaining reasonable power dissipation levels within each IC.

The bridged portion doubles the output voltage swing and quadruples the total power dissipation while the parallel portion halves the current between each IC set and divides the total power dissipation between each of the four ICs.

The result is higher system output power with each IC not exceeding its individual power dissipation capabilities. Higher output power levels are attained, while the ICs run at a normal temperature, keeping long term reliability high. The schematic of the Bridged/Parallel Amplifier is shown in Figure 13.

The bridged/parallel circuit using four devices will produce the maximum output power (>200W) into loads with an impedance from 4Ω to 8Ω. For loads less than 4Ω, additional devices may need to be placed in parallel or the supply voltage reduced.