STA8610A - High-Performance Audio Amplifier IC | STMicroelectronics
MPN: STA8610A ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.8 | $680.00 |
| 500 | $6.12 | $3,060.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.5 | $5,500.00 |
STA8610A Overview
An audio amplifier is an electronic device that increases the amplitude of audio signals, driving speakers or headphones with sufficient power and fidelity. In the signal chain, the audio amplifier sits between the preamplifier (or DAC) and the speakers, converting low-level audio signals into high-power outputs. It is a critical component in the audio system hierarchy, which includes sources (e.g., CD players, smartphones), preamplifiers, amplifiers, and transducers. The STA8610A belongs to the class of analog power amplifiers, specifically designed for multi-channel applications.
Key features of the STA8610A include a high output power of 4 x 50W at 10% THD, a low quiescent current of 120mA, and a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +105°C. The device integrates short-circuit protection, thermal shutdown, and standby/mute functions, ensuring robust operation in demanding environments. Its high efficiency and low distortion make it suitable for high-fidelity audio reproduction.
The STA8610A utilizes a complementary MOS (CMOS) output stage, providing high current capability and low output impedance. The device features a differential input stage for improved noise rejection and a sophisticated bias circuit to minimize crossover distortion. The PowerSO-36 package with exposed pad enhances heat dissipation, allowing continuous operation at high power levels without external heatsinks in moderate conditions.
Typical applications include car audio head units, home theater systems, and active speaker systems. In automotive applications, the STA8610A's wide supply range and robust protection features ensure reliable performance under varying battery conditions. In home theater, its multi-channel capability simplifies the design of surround-sound amplifiers.
When designing with the STA8610A, ensure adequate PCB copper area for thermal management, especially when driving low-impedance loads at high power. The standby and mute pins allow for power management and pop-noise reduction during power-up and shutdown sequences.
Drop-in alternatives for STA8610A — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with STA8610A (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Standby Current, Mounting Type, Supply Voltage Range, Output Power.
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STA8610A Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Output Power | 4 x 50W at 10% THD, 4Ω |
| Supply Voltage Range | 6V to 18V |
| Quiescent Current | 120mA |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.05% at 1kHz, 1W |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | 90dB |
| Channel Separation | 60dB |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +105°C |
| Package | PowerSO-36 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Load Impedance | 4Ω to 8Ω |
| Standby Current | 10µA |
| Mute Function | Yes |
| Short-Circuit Protection | Yes |
| Thermal Shutdown | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
STA8610A Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OUT1+ — Positive output for channel 1 |
| Pin 2 | OUT1- — Negative output for channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 4 | OUT2+ — Positive output for channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | OUT2- — Negative output for channel 2 |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 7 | OUT3+ — Positive output for channel 3 |
| Pin 8 | OUT3- — Negative output for channel 3 |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | OUT4+ — Positive output for channel 4 |
| Pin 11 | OUT4- — Negative output for channel 4 |
| Pin 12 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 13 | VCC — Power supply (6V-18V) |
| Pin 14 | VCC — Power supply (6V-18V) |
| Pin 15 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 16 | IN1 — Audio input for channel 1 |
| Pin 17 | IN2 — Audio input for channel 2 |
| Pin 18 | IN3 — Audio input for channel 3 |
| Pin 19 | IN4 — Audio input for channel 4 |
| Pin 20 | SVR — Supply voltage ripple rejection capacitor |
| Pin 21 | S-GND — Signal ground |
| Pin 22 | STBY — Standby control (active high) |
| Pin 23 | MUTE — Mute control (active high) |
| Pin 24 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 25 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 26 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 27 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 28 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 29 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 30 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 31 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 32 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 33 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 34 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 35 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 36 | GND — Ground |
Typical Applications
STA8610A is suitable for 6 applications: Car Audio Head Units, Home Theater Systems, Active Speaker Systems, Marine Audio Systems, Portable PA Systems, Gaming Chairs with Audio.
Car Audio Head Units
The STA8610A is ideal for car audio head units, providing 4 channels of 50W output to drive door speakers. Its wide supply voltage range (6V-18V) ensures stable operation during engine cranking, and the low quiescent current (120mA) reduces battery drain when the audio system is idle. The integrated short-circuit protection and thermal shutdown safeguard the amplifier against speaker wire shorts and overheating in the confined dashboard environment. In a typical head unit, the STA8610A is placed between the audio processor and the speaker terminals, with its standby pin controlled by the ignition signal to enable instant-on and pop-free startup. The high signal-to-noise ratio (90dB) ensures clean audio reproduction even at low volume levels, enhancing the listening experience in a noisy vehicle cabin.
Recommended
Home Theater Systems
In home theater systems, the STA8610A's 4-channel output can drive surround sound speakers (front left, front right, rear left, rear right) with 50W per channel. Its low distortion (0.05% THD) and high SNR (90dB) deliver immersive audio for movies and music. The PowerSO-36 package with exposed pad allows efficient heat dissipation, enabling continuous operation at high power levels without bulky heatsinks. The mute function is useful for muting the amplifier during source switching or power-up to prevent pop noises. In a typical AV receiver, the STA8610A is used as the main power amplifier stage, preceded by a preamplifier and DSP for channel processing. The wide supply voltage range accommodates various power supply designs, from linear to switching regulators.
Recommended
Active Speaker Systems
The STA8610A is well-suited for active speaker systems, where each speaker has a built-in amplifier. Its 4-channel output can drive a 2-way speaker (woofer and tweeter) with bi-amplification, or multiple speakers in a multi-room setup. The low quiescent current (120mA) is beneficial for energy-efficient designs, and the standby mode (10µA) reduces power consumption when the speaker is not in use. The short-circuit protection ensures reliability in consumer environments where speaker cables may be accidentally shorted. In a typical active speaker, the STA8610A is mounted on the amplifier board inside the enclosure, with the input connected to a line-level signal from a preamplifier or DAC. The thermal shutdown protects the IC if the speaker is driven at high volume for extended periods.
Recommended
Marine Audio Systems
The STA8610A's wide supply voltage range (6V-18V) and robust protection features make it suitable for marine audio systems, where battery voltage can fluctuate due to engine start and charging. The device's operating temperature range (-40°C to +105°C) withstands the harsh marine environment, including high humidity and temperature extremes. The low quiescent current helps preserve battery life when the audio system is not in use. In a marine audio system, the STA8610A can drive 4 speakers (e.g., 2 pairs of 6.5-inch coaxial speakers) with 50W each, providing clear sound over engine noise. The short-circuit protection is critical in marine environments where wiring may be exposed to moisture and corrosion.
Recommended
Portable PA Systems
For portable PA systems, the STA8610A offers a compact solution with high output power (4 x 50W) in a surface-mount package. Its low quiescent current (120mA) and standby mode (10µA) extend battery life, making it ideal for battery-powered speakers. The wide supply voltage range allows operation from various battery configurations (e.g., 12V lead-acid or 18V lithium-ion). The thermal shutdown protects the amplifier during prolonged high-volume use, ensuring reliability in outdoor events. In a portable PA system, the STA8610A can drive 4 speakers (e.g., 2 full-range and 2 tweeters) with active crossover, providing clear sound for speeches and music. The mute function is useful for muting the amplifier during microphone changes.
Recommended
Gaming Chairs with Audio
The STA8610A can be used in gaming chairs with built-in speakers and vibration motors. Its 4-channel output can drive 2 speakers and 2 vibration transducers, providing immersive audio and haptic feedback. The low quiescent current (120mA) is suitable for USB-powered gaming chairs (5V) when using a boost converter to reach the required supply voltage. The short-circuit protection ensures safety in consumer products. In a gaming chair, the STA8610A is mounted on a small PCB inside the chair, with inputs from a wireless receiver or audio jack. The standby mode reduces power consumption when the chair is not in use, and the mute function can be controlled by a button on the chair.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STA8610A — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | TDA7850 | TDA7560 | TDA7851L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PowerSO-36 | PowerSO-36 | PowerSO-36 | PowerSO-36 |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Output Power (4Ω, 10% THD) | 4 x 50W | 4 x 50W | 4 x 45W | 4 x 45W |
| Supply Voltage Range | 6V to 18V | 8V to 18V | 8V to 18V | 8V to 18V |
| Quiescent Current | 120mA | 150mA | 150mA | 100mA |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 90dB | 90dB | 90dB | 90dB |
| Standby Current | 10µA | 100µA | 100µA | 10µA |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +105°C | -40°C to +105°C | -40°C to +105°C | -40°C to +105°C |
Key Differentiators
- Wider supply voltage range (6V-18V) compared to TDA7850 (8V-18V) (vs TDA7850)
- Lower quiescent current (120mA) vs TDA7850 (150mA) (vs TDA7850)
- Lower standby current (10µA) vs TDA7850 (100µA) (vs TDA7850)
Design Notes
The STA8610A can dissipate significant power when driving 4Ω loads at high output. For example, at 50W per channel into 4Ω, the power dissipation is approximately 20W per channel (assuming 50% efficiency), totaling 80W for all four channels. The PowerSO-36 package has a thermal resistance of 1.5°C/W (junction-to-case), so a heatsink or large copper area is essential. Ensure the exposed pad is soldered to a thermal pad with multiple vias to the ground plane. For continuous operation at high power, use a heatsink with a thermal resistance of 0.5°C/W or better.
Place the power supply decoupling capacitors (100µF electrolytic and 100nF ceramic) as close as possible to the VCC pins. The output filter inductors (if used) should be placed near the output pins to minimize EMI. Keep the audio input traces short and shielded from the output traces to prevent crosstalk. Use a star-ground topology to separate the power ground from the signal ground, connecting them at a single point to avoid ground loops.
Do not operate the STA8610A without a load on the outputs, as this can cause oscillation and damage the IC. Ensure the standby and mute pins are properly controlled during power-up and shutdown to prevent pop noises. The SVR pin requires a capacitor (typically 10µF) to filter supply ripple; omitting it can degrade the power supply rejection ratio. Also, verify that the input signal does not exceed the maximum input voltage rating to avoid clipping and distortion.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per STMicroelectronics product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified, but suitable for automotive applications per datasheet.
