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What modifications do I need to make?
Could I use a 43-0-43V toroidal transformer?
Do I need to change how I connect
the amplifier module to the power
supply module if I am using two transformers to power two channels? (W.
L., Singapore)
● Taking your questions one at
a time, sinewave power delivery is
approximately V2 ÷ 4R, so for ±57V
and 4W speakers, that’s 57V2 ÷ 16W =
about 200W, or 100W for 8W.
Assuming the 48V power supply
you have mentioned supplies ±48V,
with 4W speakers you will get 48V2
÷ 16W = about 144W, or 72W into 8W.
Make sure it’s a split supply; you can’t
use a single-ended 48V DC supply to
power a standard Class-AB amplifier. If it is ±48V, we don’t think any
modifications would be required as
that is close enough to the specified
supply rails.
siliconchip.com.au
Regarding your second question on
using a 43-0-43V toroidal transformer,
it depends on the speaker impedance.
We don’t recommend increasing the
supply voltage for 4W speakers. For
6W or 8W speakers, a small supply
voltage increase might be acceptable.
Still, there are risks. Just a few volts
can make a big difference to whether
the amplifier is operating in the safe
operating area (SOA) or not.
We would expect ±61V DC rails
with 43V secondaries on the transformer, although it could be a little higher depending on mains regulation, tolerances etc. Change all
the MKTs to 100V rated (not hard to
find) since the 63V ratings could be
exceeded. You will need to replace
the 100μF 63V electrolytic with an
80V or 100V type. Just make sure it
will fit on the board.
The small-signal transistors will be
running close to their ratings – the
Australia's electronics magazine
BC546 and BC556 transistors are rated
at 65V. They should be OK, but only
just. If you want to up-rate them, we
suggest switching to the KSC1845FTA
(NPN) and KSC992 (PNP). We haven’t
tested them, but they should give similar performance and they have 120V
ratings.
The bottom line is that if the speaker
impedance is high enough, you could
try it, but you will need to up-rate
some of the parts (especially the capacitors) for safety. If you want to drive
4W speakers, you’re better off using a
lower-
voltage transformer (eg, 35-035V). You won’t lose much power
and it’ll run cooler with much better
margins.
With each SC200 module powered
via a single transformer and power
supply module (that includes the
bridge rectifier and filter capacitors),
you would use the Fig.13 wiring diagram that is shown on page 79 of the
July 2026 103
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