Overview
If you want “real” speaker volume without the size, heat, and battery drain of older analog amps, the MAX98306 is a solid upgrade. This miniature stereo Class-D amplifier can deliver up to 2 × 3.7W into 3Ω speakers (at 5V), while staying highly efficient—ideal for handheld gadgets, embedded audio, and compact enclosures.
Inputs are capacitor-coupled with 1.0µF caps and support differential signaling; for single-ended sources, simply tie L− and R− to GND. Outputs are Bridge-Tied Load (BTL), meaning the speaker terminals are not connected to ground and the amp is meant to drive speakers directly (not another amplifier input).
The board also includes a gain-select jumper (and breakout pins) to choose from 5 gain levels (6–18 dB), plus built-in thermal and over-current protection for robust everyday use.
Specification
Technical details for MAX98306 Stereo 3.7W Class D Audio Amplifier Board.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Type | Stereo Class-D |
| Amplifier IC | MAX98306 |
| Input Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V DC |
| Output Power (5V Supply) | 2 × 3.7W @ 3Ω, 10% THD; 2 × 1.7W @ 8Ω, 10% THD |
| Speaker Impedance | 3Ω or higher |
| Outputs | BTL (Bridge-Tied Load), speaker outputs not referenced to GND |
| Input Coupling | 1.0µF capacitors (differential-capable) |
| Gain Settings | 6dB, 9dB, 12dB, 15dB, 18dB (jumper or G/G’ pins) |
| Efficiency | >90% (typical use case) |
| Quiescent Current | ~2mA |
| Shutdown Current | ~10µA |
| Protection | Thermal + short-circuit / over-current protection |
| Noise/Artifacts | Click-and-pop suppression |
| PSRR | 83dB @ 217Hz |
| EMI Controls | Spread-spectrum modulation + active emissions limiting |
| Included Hardware | Assembled board, breadboard header, pre-soldered 3.5mm screw terminals, pre-soldered 2×4 header, gain jumper |
| Speakers Included | No |
Pinout
Pinout guide for Adafruit MAX98306 Stereo 3.7W Class D Audio Amplifier Board.
| Pin / Label | Description |
|---|---|
| VDD | Power input: +2.7V to +5.5V DC |
| GND | Ground (0V) |
| R+ | Right audio input (+). For single-ended sources, connect to Right signal. |
| R- | Right audio input (−). For single-ended sources, tie to GND. For differential sources, connect to Right (−). |
| L+ | Left audio input (+). For single-ended sources, connect to Left signal. |
| L- | Left audio input (−). For single-ended sources, tie to GND. For differential sources, connect to Left (−). |
| ROUT+ | Right speaker output (+). Connect to Right speaker + terminal (BTL output — not GND). |
| ROUT- | Right speaker output (−). Connect to Right speaker − terminal (BTL output — not GND). |
| LOUT+ | Left speaker output (+). Connect to Left speaker + terminal (BTL output — not GND). |
| LOUT- | Left speaker output (−). Connect to Left speaker − terminal (BTL output — not GND). |
| GAIN (4×2 header + jumper) |
Select amplifier gain by placing the jumper on one of the 4 marked positions: 9dB / 12dB / 15dB / 18dB. |
| Important BTL Note | Do not connect any speaker output to GND. Do not connect ROUT to LOUT (do not bridge channels). Use speakers of 3Ω or higher. |
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