TDA2030A Audio Power Amplifier Module

This TDA2030A audio power amplifier module measures 32 mm × 24 mm and contains all the necessary components in SMD form for a mono amplifier. The power supply and audio input are through header pins, and the speaker output through a screw block. It also has a 10-kΩ preset for adjusting the volume control. This module also has a heatsink fitted for the amplifier IC.

Review

This TDA2030 audio amplifier integrated circuit (IC) is possibly the best invention since sliced bread, because it has hundreds of applications in consumer electronics. This wonderful monolithic IC operates on a wide voltage range, has built-in short circuit and thermal protection, and exhibits very low crossover distortion. It has only four pins and requires just a handful of supporting components.

There are many variations of this amplifier module and this particular one cost only 99-pence including postage. I connected a power supply, high quality test speakers, and fed it audio from my new Bluetooth MP3 Player module and the sound quality was fine. The circuit that they use is a standard one for single rail supply, and they do not stray far from the beaten path. There are many circuit diagrams for this module, however they make so many changes, that the diagrams are usually lagging with current module versions. However, we can compare the standard circuit with the module to see what changes they have made.

Circuit Diagram

Comparing the standard circuit from the IC documentation with that on the PCB, we see three 100-kΩ resistors that form the input biasing network, and it is the same values and configuration on the PCB. The 100-kΩ feedback resistor from the output to the inverting input is 150-kΩ on the PCB. The series RC from the output to ground is 1-Ω and 0.1-µF respectively; however, on the PCB, it is 1-Ω and 0.220-µF. One major deviation is in the value of the output capacitor where the documentation suggests 2000-µF; however, the PCB has 470-µF. Just as an experiment, I changed this capacitor to a larger one, and there was a distinct change in sound quality. Hence this is one mod you could try out for yourself.

Cost/eBay

These modules are usually for sale almost everywhere online, and the price can vary a lot. You could pay as little as 99-p, and it comes all the way from China, or you could pay a few pounds elsewhere. These modules are extremely useful for utilising in homemade Bluetooth speakers, or even active speaker systems. I wish they made these modules in three types for driving bass, midrange, and tweeter, loudspeakers. However, it is possible to buy this standard one and modify it for the application by adding the necessary filters.