STPA003CD-48X - 4x52W Class AB Audio Amplifier | STMicroelectronics
MPN: STPA003CD-48X ✓ ActiveSTPA003CD-48X Overview
An automotive audio power amplifier is an integrated circuit that accepts low-level audio inputs and drives loudspeakers through power MOSFET output stages. The STPA003 belongs to the MOSFET Class AB amplifier family, a subtype of audio amplifier and analog power-management IC. Class AB operation combines low crossover distortion with useful power efficiency, making it suitable for continuous loudspeaker drive where fidelity and thermal robustness matter more than the efficiency of a switching amplifier.
Key features include four independent amplifier channels, a 4 x 52 W headline output rating, 85 W per channel capability into 2 ohms, and a 27-Flexiwatt vertical package. The low-voltage operating design supports start-stop automotive battery profiles. Clip and offset detection provide system-level diagnostic functions, while the reported GSM noise immunity helps preserve audio quality in electrically noisy vehicle environments.
The MOSFET output architecture is intended to combine high output-current capability with low distortion. Published distributor data identifies a nominal output power of 55 W and harmonic distortion of 0.01%, while the manufacturer describes the STPA003 family as designed for high-power car radio applications. Exact test conditions, protection thresholds, channel-to-channel gain matching, and detailed thermal data require review of the manufacturer datasheet before a production design is released.
Typical applications include automotive head units, high-power car-radio channels, four-speaker cabin systems, low-voltage multimedia systems, and auxiliary automotive audio racks. In a bridge-tied-load implementation, the amplifier can drive four loudspeaker channels while reducing the number of external output networks normally associated with single-ended amplifier stages.
A critical design consideration is the thermal path from the 27-Flexiwatt package to the printed circuit board. Copper area, through-hole thermal dissipation, enclosure airflow, ambient temperature, and the sustained loudspeaker load determine whether the amplifier operates within its intended limits. Input and output network design must also preserve low distortion across the complete audio bandwidth.
This product record consolidates the verified manufacturer and distributor information into an engineering-focused reference covering package characteristics, application suitability, verified drop-in candidates, and practical selection considerations that are not presented as a substitute for the complete STMicroelectronics datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for STPA003CD-48X — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
STPA003D-48X
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TDA7388A
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
TDA7802
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LV47011P-E
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STPA003CD-48X Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Amplifier Type | 4-Channel Class AB MOSFET audio power amplifier |
| Number of Output Channels | 4 channels |
| Headline Output Power | 4 x 52 W |
| Maximum Output Power | 85 W per channel into 2 ohm |
| Nominal Output Power | 55 W |
| Harmonic Distortion | 0.01% |
| Output Configuration | Bridge-tied-load (BTL) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +105 C |
| Package | 27-Flexiwatt (Vertical), through-hole |
| Terminal Count | 27 terminals |
| Maximum Seated Height | 19.37 mm |
| Package Shape | Rectangular |
| Protection Features | Clip detection and offset detection |
| Automotive Features | Low-voltage operation and GSM noise immunity |
STPA003CD-48X rectangular Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for STPA003CD-48X (rectangular package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for STPA003CD-48X.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
STPA003CD-48X is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Head-Unit Amplification, Four-Speaker Car Radio, Low-Voltage Start-Stop Audio System, Automotive Subwoofer and Full-Range System, High-Power Car Radio, Mobile and Portable Speaker Power Stage.
Automotive Head-Unit Amplification
The STPA003CD-48X fits automotive head-unit and radio designs requiring four Class AB audio channels with a published 4 x 52 W rating. Its low-voltage operating focus supports start-stop battery profiles, while the reported GSM noise immunity helps reduce interference in a vehicle's electrically noisy environment. Mount the 27-Flexiwatt package to a thermal copper area, follow the manufacturer's BTL output network, and verify transient protection against the vehicle's complete battery profile. Compared with a switching amplifier, the Class AB topology emphasizes low distortion, while the main engineering trade-off is greater heat dissipation at high sustained output.
Recommended
Four-Speaker Car Radio
A four-speaker car-radio architecture can use the STPA003CD-48X to drive separate front and rear loudspeaker channels from a low-voltage vehicle supply. The verified 4 x 52 W rating, combined with a stated 85 W per-channel capability into 2 ohms, provides substantial continuous and peak output capability. In a bridge-tied-load configuration, the amplifier reduces external output-network complexity, but channel balance and speaker protection still require careful design. The 27-Flexiwatt through-hole package should be mechanically supported and thermally coupled to copper for reliable operation across the published -40 C to +105 C ambient range.
Recommended
Low-Voltage Start-Stop Audio System
The STPA003CD-48X is appropriate for a start-stop vehicle audio system because STMicroelectronics specifically describes the STPA003 family as supporting low-voltage operation for the automotive start-stop battery profile. This feature is relevant when the radio remains active while the engine stops and the supply voltage changes. The amplifier's four BTL channels support multiple loudspeakers without separate single-ended output networks. Designers must still validate the exact supply window, transient limits, startup behavior, and restart handling from the manufacturer datasheet, because those numerical operating limits were not included in the verified source data.
Recommended
Automotive Subwoofer and Full-Range System
The STPA003CD-48X can form the power stage of a high-power automotive audio system that combines subwoofer and full-range channels in a bridge-tied-load arrangement. Its stated 4 x 52 W output capability and reported 85 W per-channel capability into 2 ohms are useful for low-impedance vehicle loudspeakers, while the reported 0.01% harmonic distortion supports low-distortion playback. Thermal design remains essential because Class AB dissipation rises with output power and voltage drop. Use the manufacturer's recommended output filters, speaker protection strategy, and thermal derating rather than treating the headline output rating as an unrestricted continuous rating.
Recommended
High-Power Car Radio
The STPA003CD-48X is directly aligned with STMicroelectronics' stated high-power car-radio use case. Its four MOSFET Class AB channels provide substantial loudspeaker-drive capability from an automotive battery system, while clip and offset detection can support fault monitoring in the surrounding radio or amplifier system. The vertical 27-Flexiwatt package accommodates through-hole automotive amplifier assemblies and provides a mechanical path for heat conduction into the PCB. Engineers should implement supply filtering, verify every diagnostic connection, and calculate worst-case channel dissipation because the verified material does not provide the complete thermal-resistance table.
Recommended
Mobile and Portable Speaker Power Stage
The STPA003CD-48X can serve as a high-output Class AB power stage in a portable or mobile speaker enclosure that operates from a suitably rated low-voltage source. Its four-channel BTL architecture can support multiple drivers while the 4 x 52 W rating provides greater headroom than typical low-power audio amplifier ICs. The trade-off is that a Class AB stage dissipates more energy than a switching solution, so enclosure ventilation and copper area become critical at sustained high volume. The source describes automotive radio use, so non-automotive implementations require independent verification of supply tolerance, temperature, vibration, and protection requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STPA003CD-48X — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STPA003D-48X | TDA7388A | TDA7802 | LV47011P-E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Package | 27-Flexiwatt (Vertical) | 27-Flexiwatt (Vertical) | 27-Flexiwatt (Vertical) | 27-Flexiwatt (Vertical) | 27-Flexiwatt (Vertical) |
| Number of Channels | 4 channels | 4 channels | 4 channels | 4 channels | 4 channels |
Key Differentiators
- Higher verified headline output rating (vs TDA7388A)
- Low-impedance output capability (vs TDA7388A)
- Manufacturer-described automotive resilience features (vs TDA7802)
- Lower documented nominal output than the comparison device (vs TDA7388A)
Design Notes
Calculate dissipation for all four channels at the maximum credible output power, ambient temperature, and supply voltage rather than relying on the 4 x 52 W headline rating. The verified package is the vertical 27-Flexiwatt through-hole format, so use the manufacturer's PCB copper and thermal via guidance. Maximum seated height is 19.37 mm, but that mechanical dimension does not establish junction-temperature margin. Verify the datasheet's thermal resistance and derating data before releasing a high-temperature automotive enclosure.
Use the manufacturer's recommended BTL output network and account for the voltage drop across the output MOSFETs when estimating dissipated power. The verified material does not provide the exact supply-voltage window, output impedance, or protection thresholds, so do not infer those values from generic Class AB amplifier data. Validate startup, low-voltage behavior, speaker load transitions, and thermal shutdown using the official application information and a representative automotive supply waveform.
Do not treat the stated 85 W per-channel capability into 2 ohms as a continuous rating for every channel or every ambient condition. The separate 4 x 52 W rating, speaker impedance, supply voltage, output-stage dissipation, and manufacturer test conditions determine real operating limits. Also confirm the meanings and polarity of the clip-detection and offset-detection outputs before connecting them to the radio controller; the verified evidence identifies the functions but not their thresholds or timing.
Place the STPA003CD-48X where the package's through-hole pins can transfer heat into a continuous copper region, and keep loudspeaker output routing away from sensitive input and diagnostic traces. Use low-impedance supply and ground connections, minimize loop area, and apply the manufacturer's input, feedback, compensation, and output-filter networks. Exact component values and grounding topology must be taken from the official datasheet because they were not included in the supplied verified data.
The STPA003 family is described as having excellent GSM noise immunity, but this does not remove the need for correct EMC layout. Keep high-current loudspeaker and supply paths compact, use adequate return-current paths beneath the package, and preserve the recommended filtering between the supply source and amplifier. Validate radiated and conducted emissions in the final vehicle harness configuration because cable geometry and board copper can materially change system-level performance.
Compliance Information
The verified manufacturer and distributor descriptions identify an automotive high-power car-radio use case but do not provide explicit RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declarations. Compliance must be confirmed using current documentation for the exact ordered part.
