Electronics
Welcome to my Electronics page. Here you will find various construction details on mainly audio amplifiers and accessories, but also some non-audio projects.
Contained here I have some details about my audio systems, including early examples dating back to around the year 2000 which may still be useful and relevant now.
My main audio system is detailed here. This is a 5.1 pre and power amplifier, controlled by PIC, IR, Bluetooth and a mobile application. It is a great looking, awesome sounding hifi system that I hope you'll enjoy reading about.
I've also details on my DAB radio build, used daily when I work from home. This is a powerful, great sounding DAB radio amplifier upgraded from the one of the cheapest and worst sounding DAB radios ever!
Details are also available on smaller chip-amp projects that I built years ago, such as those based on the TDA1514 or the TDA2040 chips which are actually very good, as well as more modern chips such as the STA540 and TPA3122D2. Some of these chips are now obsolete and discontinued, but you may have some or can obtain them from old equipment, so you may find the information still useful.
This page is split into several sections. First are my large projects - containing almost everything you need to know about my largest audio projects. Then specific chip based or project information, then some general information, aimed for hobbyists and those just wanting to read something.
Guides and articles here are not always wrote to tell you everything, and often supplement semiconductor manufacturers datasheets (which are linked where appropriate).
If you haven't already, I would strongly suggest you check out www.sound-au.com for all your audio and amplifier needs as the author of this site has done very good work on making construction details for many different audio circuits and you should find something of your needs there. Most of my electronic knowledge has come from reading various articles on this site, or by hands on experience by taking apart old equipment etc.
Complete DIY Hi-Fi Systems
5 Channel 50W Pre and Power LM3886 Amplifier
This page contains my complete Hi-Fi / Home Cinema system. Previously a separate preamp and power amp combo this has now been merged into one system (to save on space and the amount of wires!).
You'll find here a description of the build, changes I've made, and how I've altered the way it looks and operates. Also contained are details of the control system, which is now updated as of July 2022.
DAB Digital Radio LM3886 30W Amplifier
Here I describe how I've taken a cheap DAB Radio and put it into a smart case integrated with a decent LM3886 Power Amplifier.
You'll find here a description of the design, build, and software to interface from the DAB module to my nice OLED display.
TDA1514 40W Surround Sound Amplifier - version 3 [2020 remake]
My first 'proper' amplifier initially built in 2002 received a large rebuild, adding features and a little facelift. The amplifier is now controlled by a PIC microcontroller which supports Infrared remote control. It also received a preamp upgrade and replacement of many parts.
Stereo STA540 and TDA7439 20W amplifier with sound processor
A pretty small, yet powerful and high quality amplifier for the bedroom TV and Bluetooth audio. Powered by a single laptop PSU, with an innovative internal PSU to split the voltages, full IR remote control operation and audio processor that can control two bass frequencies, treble and balance and select four possible inputs with variable gain.
Raspberry Pi Audio Streamer with PSU, Amplifier and Tone Control NEW
Here are details about how I used a Raspberry Pi to build an audio streamer for playing Radio streams, music mp3s and oggs hosted on my server and Spotify streaming using moOde and the associated electronics to play decent quality sound through an old centre speaker.
This is based on the mono TDA7391 amplifier, a Raspberry Pi 3B and custom made PSU and tone control. Contains details of the idea, wiring and grounding advice.
To compliment a power amplifier, adding response for lower frequencies, here are details of my 120W subwoofer. This is based on the P3A amplifier operating into two 10" drivers and an attractive ported enclosure. Response is good all the way down to 30Hz, and response can be tweaked at many frequencies between 20 and 100Hz with an 8-band equaliser.
5-Channel (Bi-amplified) Power Amplifier
For reference only - this is the original article about my power amplifier. It is a 5-channel power amplifier consisting of 7 internal power amplifier and a massive 500W power supply. 7 you say? Well yes as the main stereo speakers will be bi-amplified using a 24dB/octave Linkwitz Riley Crossover. Approx. powers are 60, 60, 68, 68, 68 into 8 ohm speakers. Currently this amplifier is being rebuilt into a bigger case and with a 'new' crossover (same circuit but using a purchased PCB from Rod) and this time actually with a microchip power management and temperature sensing circuit.
7.1 channel digital preamplifier
For reference only - this is the original article about my preamplifier. Designed to work with the above power amplifier, this preamplifier provides the control over line level audio I'll need in my final system. This preamp is a mix of audio electronics and usage of PIC microcontrollers and other digital electronics. It therefore includes an LCD, rotary and push button controls and can be controlled from an external PC.
TDA Surround Sound Amplifier - version 2 [2003 remake]
For reference only - Finished in 2003, the re-build of my original surround sound amplifier finished about two years earlier. This is a re-make of the original amplifier below using more ESP circuits and data sheets from TDA1514 and TDA2040 chips.
TDA Surround Sound Amplifier - about my version 1 original amp
This is the original and first surround sound amplifier I ever built, before the re-build above. It was built back in the year 2001 and remained my reliable source of good audio until I decided I wanted to make it better in 2003 (and then again in 2020).
DIY audio guides
These guides/projects cover a variety of different chip amplifiers that I have built myself from scratch. Whilst these days you can easily buy a module off auction sites, the most rewarding builds come from constructing the amplifier yourself and my guides often provide PCB details and lots of construction details.
Hi-Fi Amplifiers
Amplifiers intended for Hi-Fi. Heatsinks required. Most require split rail power supplies.
| Construction Details | Data Sheet | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| ▷ LM1875 / TDA2006 / TDA2030 / TDA2040 / TDA2050 ▷ TDA2030 Project |
LM1875: From Texas Instruments TDA2006: From ST Microelectronics TDA2030: From ST Microelectronics TDA2040: From ST Microelectronics TDA2050: From ST Microelectronics |
12W amp / 14W amp / 20W amp / 32W amp - simple to build and construct. |
| ▷ STA540 / TDA7375 | STA540: From ST Microelectronics TDA7375: From ST Microelectronics |
38W / 35W stereo amp, 2.1 or 13W quad - easy to build and construct. |
| ▷ TDA1514 | TDA1514: From Philips | A very good single chip mono amplifier that is really impressive sounding. Capable of up to 50W. |
| ▷ TDA7292 / TDA7265 / TDA7269 | TDA7292: From ST Microelectronics TDA7265: From ST Microelectronics TDA7265B: From ST Microelectronics TDA7269A: From ST Microelectronics |
Decent single chip stereo amplifiers that sound great. Capable of up to 40W. |
| ▷ TDA7264 | TDA7264: From ST Microelectronics | An even simpler decent single chip stereo amplifier that sound greats. Fixed gain. Capable of 25W. |
Medium power and Car audio amplifiers
These amplifiers are great for medium power or car audio where you can use single supply voltages.
| Construction Details | Data Sheet | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| ▷ BA5417 / BA5406 | BA5417: From ROHM Semiconductor BA5406: From ROHM Semiconductor |
5W Stereo Single Chip Power Amp - details on how to construct decent amplifiers from these unique chips. |
| ▷ LM383 / TDA2003 / TDA2002 / TDA2008 | LM383: From National Semiconductor TDA2002: From ST Microelectronics TDA2003: From ST Microelectronics |
10W to 12W car radio amp. |
| ▷ TDA7297 / TDA7266 ▷ TDA7297 PC Speaker Project |
TDA7297: From ST Microelectronics TDA7266: From ST Microelectronics |
15W amp / 7W stereo amp - easy to build and construct. |
| ▷ STA540 / TDA7375 | STA540: From ST Microelectronics TDA7375: From ST Microelectronics |
38W / 35W stereo amp, 2.1 or 13W quad - easy to build and construct. |
| ▷ TDA7391 / TDA7396 | TDA7391: From ST Microelectronics TDA7396: From ST Microelectronics |
35W / 45W mono amp - easy to build and construct. |
| ▷ TDA7056 / TDA7056A / TDA7056B | TDA7056: From Philips / NXP TDA7056A: From Philips / NXP TDA7056B: From Philips / NXP |
Very simple stereo 3W to 5W amps - old, but quick and simple mono amps with more power than the TDA7052 |
Low power amplifiers
These amplifiers are great for low power battery operated or utility amplifiers that don't need heatsinks or complex layouts - many are great for beginners.
| Construction Details | Data Sheet | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| ▷ LM386 / NJM386 | LM386: From Texas Instruments NJM386: From JRC |
Simple Utility Milliwatt Power Amplifier (325mW) |
| ▷ TDA1015T | TDA1015T: From Philips | Very tiny surface mount amp, capable of 0.5W |
| ▷ TDA2822M / D2822A / KA2209 ▷ TDA2822 Project #1 ▷ TDA2822 Project #2 |
TDA2822M: From ST Microelectronics | Stereo low power amp (700mW/channel), also highly recommended and will suit many situations where a bridged amplifier (such as the TDA7052) is not suitable. |
| ▷ TDA7052 / TDA7052A ▷ TDA7052 Project #1 ▷ TDA7052 Project #2 |
TDA7052: From Philips / NXP TDA7052A: From Philips / NXP |
Very simple 1.2W amp, my personal recommendation for almost any small amp situation, also includes details on many projects I have undertaken with this chip. |
| ▷ TDA7053 / TDA7053A | TDA7053: From Philips / NXP TDA7053A: From Philips / NXP |
Very simple stereo 1.2W amp, an old but still good recommendation for a quick, simple, yet decent, stereo amplifier. |
Class D amplifiers
Projects with efficient amplifiers.
| Construction Details | Data Sheet | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| ▷ TPA3122D2 / TPA3125D2 UPDATED | TPA3122D2: From Texas Instruments TPA3125D2: From Texas Instruments |
15W and 10W Stereo Class D Amplifiers - efficient amplifiers we can DIY build. |
| ▷ PAM8403 speakers with bass boost | PAM8403: From Diodes Incorporated | USB or battery powered, light and efficient speakers with bass boost. Perfect for traveling. |
Other audio projects
Line level projects.
| Construction Details | Data Sheet | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| ▷ Bass boost | Bass boost circuits | A collection of bass boost circuits, including battery powered, ideal for small speakers. |
| ▷ Tone controls NEW | Tone control circuits | Two tone control circuits, for battery powered or single supply systems. |
| ▷ TDA7317 / TDA7316 | TDA7317: From ST Microelectronics TDA7316: From ST Microelectronics |
Stereo 5-band digitally controlled graphic equaliser. Hardware and software detail including a 10-band EQ build using two chips. |
| ▷ TDA7439 / TDA7440 | TDA7439: From ST Microelectronics TDA7440: From ST Microelectronics |
Stereo audio processor with digital control of volume, balance, bass, mid and treble and multiplex four inputs. Hardware detail, supplements STA540/TDA7439 amplifier full build above. |
| ▷ Bridged Amplifier Headphones Adaptor NEW | How to possibly create a headphones output from a bridged amplifier. |
DIY microcontroller projects
Below is a selection of microcontroller based projects that I've implemented. I also have a general guide for PIC microcontrollers, below
| Construction Details | Key parts used | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| ▷ PIC Simple Thermometer |
DS18B20 TM1637 PIC12F675 |
Extra simple thermometer built on stripboard using a 4 digit Celsius reading from a DS18B20, display using TM1637 module. Uses a small and cheap PIC12F675. |
| ▷ PIC Thermometer |
DS18B20 4x common-anode 7-segment displays PIC16F628A |
Simple thermometer built on custom PCB using a 4 digit Celsius and Fahrenheit reading from a DS18B20. Multiplexed display. Uses a cheap PIC16F628A. |
| ▷ PIC IR RC5 receiver | PIC16 and PIC18 (various) | Code for Interrupt and Timer driven RC5 infrared receiving. Used on three of my amplifier projects with great success. |
| ▷ PIC Delay (Boost) Timer |
PIC12F675 DS3231 |
Very simple one button timers with several hardware options, all based off the cheap and simple PIC12F675. |
| ▷ PIC Quadrature Rotary Encoder Polling | PIC16 and PIC18 (various) | PIC BoostC code for rotary encoders, that actually works well. |
| ▷ PIC Aquarium Controller Timer |
PIC16F73 DS18B20 TM1638 DS3231 AT24C32 |
An aquarium controller for time based automating switching on and off of two 12V aquarium LED lights, temperature based heater triggering, and temperature based 12V fan activation. |
| ▷ PIC USB Mouse Jiggler | PIC18F2550 | Keep your PC/laptop awake with these USB jiggler/wiggler that can be activated/deactivated with a simple press and has a timeout. |
General Guidelines and Information
Building your own PCB's - Almost Everything you need to know about building your own PCBs, written for novice hobbyists like me using the freehand style of creating PCBs rather than professional expensive equipment. Highly recommended read if your fed up with the limitations of pre-made stripboard / breadboard. Updated August 2020.
Wiring toroidal transformers - How to wire these transformers for 115V and 230V mains and centre taped (series) and high current (parallel) secondary wirings, plus some PSU guidelines and safety information. Although specific to the Antrim wire colours originally, this article is also relevant to any dual primary and dual secondary transformer and has helped many people around the world confront their doubts and confusion.
PIC Microchip Guide, Tools and Tips - A general guide with hardware and software tools, suggestions, and tips. I made my own notes previously, but thought it could be helpful to others, so here is my guide to working with the PIC Microchip. It is not complete, and never will be, but I'll add to it as I find useful information and run into problems (with potential solutions).
Calculators - Useful web page for calculating resistor colour values and capacitor values from three digit numbers.
Links to other sites
Here are some interesting sites that have helped me and people who have helped too:
| ESP: | Site for all sound related electronics - fantastic stuff | www.sound-au.com |
| Mark Hennessy: | Another sound related site - this one also has great PIC stuff | www.markhennessy.co.uk/ |
| Rohit's DIY site: | Helped time ago on ESP forums and has some nice projects and a signal generator here: | sites.google.com/site/rohitbalkishandubla/diy |
| DIY audio: | Lots of information there and also a nice place to get help from nice people: | www.diyaudio.com/ |