Audio amplifier : how to combine stereo output to mono input

amplifieraudiopcmraspberry pi

In the following schematic, I would like to decode PCM audio from my Raspberry Pi and output the signal to a 3W speaker. The PAM8302 datasheet is quite light. I don't understand what the input levels are. On the other hand, the PCM5100A PCM decoder offers a 2.1 Vrms stereo output with a 1kOhm load impedance.

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I would like to properly connect the decoder to the amplifier without a potentiometer. Any idea?

Best Answer

The datasheet clearly states the closed-loop gain :

Maximum Gain : As shown in block diagram (Page 2), the PAM8302A differential gain for the IC is : A = 20log (RF/RI). The PAM8302A sets maximum RF = 150kΩ, minimum RI = 10kΩ, so the maximum closed-gain around 23.5dB. If need gain adjustment, you can put external RIN at the input pin, and gain calculate as 20log (150K/ (10K+RIN)).

So you can reduce gain to adjust best dynamic range if required by adding x2 Rin on each + and - inputs. Otherwise if you require more gain you would need extra amplifiers to do that, but I presume the desired purpose of the pot is to reduce the gain so that max input occurs at max output with minimum distortion etc.

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