RDL FP-PA18 18W Mono Audio Amplifier - 8 Ohm, with Power Supply

Description
Warranty Information

Overview

The FP-PA18 is a high efficiency 18 W power amplifier with a line input, 8 ohm output, integral audio compressor and an automatic sleep mode. The FP-PA18 features a balanced line level input that may be connected unbalanced. A gain control located next to the terminal block is designed to be adjusted manually or with a trimming screwdriver. The gain range will accommodate standard unbalanced levels as well as professional balanced levels. The output drives one 8 ohm speaker or multiple speakers connected to present an 8 ohm load to the amplifier.

The FP-PA18 includes an analog compressor/limiter for fidelity audibly superior to conventional class D amplifiers with digital limiting. The input GAIN setting determines whether the limiter alone is used for clipping suppression, or if the full compressor/limiter will be used to substantially increase the average output power beyond that of a standard 18 W amplifier. A red COMPRESSION LED flashes when the limiter is preventing output clipping. Normal audio level signals remain unaffected by the compressor thereby preserving audio dynamics. If the input level is increased so that the compressor is active, the LED remains dimly lit between peak flashes. The audio is compressed according to three dynamic time constants providing aural transparency while maintaining clean, unclipped amplified audio for input overloads of up to 20 dB. The FP-PA18, with compression, is capable of producing average audio output levels and clarity normally expected from amplifiers with a much higher output power rating.

The FP-PA18 circuits are all designed for low power consumption. In the absence of an audio input, a digital timer is enabled to switch the class D output stage off. When this sleep mode is active, the amplifier module and its included RDL power supply consume less than 1 W of mains power. A control on the end plate sets the sleep mode delay timer to 5, 15 or 25 minutes. The control also permits the installer to bypass the sleep mode to conform to system specifications that require the amplifier to be active at all times. Upon detection of an input signal, the amplifier is nearly inaudibly and instantly restored to full operation within 150 milliseconds.

The output stage includes an audio detector that illuminates the green OUTPUT ACTIVE LED and provides an active open collector output when amplified audio is present at the module output. This output is useful to control other equipment or to verify amplifier operation using high or low frequency low-level test tones. The detector triggers with only 30 mW of output power at 20 Hz or 5 mW of output power at 20 kHz.

A blue POWER LED illuminates when the FP-PA18 is powered from its external 24 Vdc power supply. The power LED is dimly illuminated when the sleep mode disables the amplifier and glows brightly when the amplifier operation is fully enabled. The module is equipped with both thermal and output short-circuit protection. The high-efficiency Class D output stage produces minimal heat for all levels of expected voice or music modulation.

Wherever an ultra-compact, high quality, high efficiency eco-friendly audio power amplifier is needed to provide reliability and unsurpassed versatility, the FP-PA18 is the ideal choice. Use the FP-PA18 individually, or combine it with other RDL products as part of a complete audio/video system.

Features:

18 Watts RMS into 8 Ω
Automatic Energy-Saving Sleep Mode
Selectable Sleep Delay: Off, 5, 15, 25 Minutes
Input / Output Detachable Terminal Block Connections
Line Level Balanced or Unbalanced Input
Compressor/Limiter Controls Clipping
LED to Indicate Audio Compression Threshold
Compressor Produces Maximized Average Output Power
Audio Quality Superior to Standard Amplifiers
Ultra-compact All Metal Construction
High-Efficiency Class D Operation
Thermal and Short-Circuit Protection

Specifications

Input:

Line level (+4 dBu nominal balanced; -10 dBV nominal unbalanced)

Input Impedance:

10 kΩ balanced bridging; 5 kΩ unbalanced

Gain Adjustment:

Single turn audio taper

Minimum Input Levels:

Balanced: -18 dBu (to cross compressor threshold)
Unbalanced: -20 dBV (to cross compressor threshold)

Maximum Input Levels:

Balanced: +23 dBu
Unbalanced: +21 dBV

Frequency Response:

20 Hz to 20 kHz (± 1 dB)*

THD+N:

< 0.5% (20 Hz to 20 kHz)*

Compressor:

Threshold 3 dB below rated output, automatically adjusting attack and release times

Noise:

< -72 dB (below 18 W RMS, +4 dBu input)

CMRR:

> 45 dB (50 Hz to 3 kHz)

Output Power:

18 W RMS into 8 Ω

Output Circuit:

Class D

Output Signal Detector Threshold:

30 mW @ 20 Hz; 20 mW @ 30 Hz; 10 mW @ 50 Hz; 5 mW @ 65 Hz through 20 kHz

Output Signal Detector Output:

Open collector, 5 mA

Sleep Mode Power Consumption:

< 1 W (amplifier and included power supply)

Sleep Mode Delay:

5, 15 or 25 minutes (selectable)

Sleep Mode Disable:

Selectable

Active Mode Delay:

< 150 mS after input audio detected

Audio Detector Threshold:

-50 dBu balanced, -52 dBV unbalanced

Ambient Operating Environment:

0° C to 50° C Maximum

Indicators (3):

Red LED: COMP LED indicates compressor activity
Green LED: OUTPUT ACTIVE (controlled by output signal detector)
Blue LED: POWER on; Dim: Sleep mode active; Bright: Amplifier active

24 Vdc power supply current:

16 mA (idle), 975 mA (max.), Ground-referenced

Power Supply (included):

100 to 240 Vac, 50-60 Hz, 1A max.; 24 Vdc output to module

Dimensions:

Height: 1.15 in.(2.92 cm); Width: 3.25 in.(8.26 cm); Length: 3 in.(7.62 cm)

*measured at compressor threshold level equaling 12 W RMS output power

Package Type:

Cardboard Box

Package Dimensions:

4.375 x 7 x 2.25 in.

Shipping Weight:

1.025 lbs.

WEEE weight:

0.755 lbs.

Tariff code:

8543.70.9910

RDL Three-Year Limited Warranty Installation of these products by the Purchaser shall constitute Purchaser’s acknowledgement and acceptance of the terms and conditions for sale and of this warranty, and shall constitute the Purchaser’s determination of the suitability of this product for the Purchaser’s intended application. Radio Design Labs, Inc., also referred to as RDL®, warrants to the Purchaser that products manufactured by RDL are free from defects in material and workmanship. This warranty applies to the period of three years from the date of shipment, except for component parts or products purchased from other sources and supplied by RDL. Such component parts or products bear only the warranty of the manufacturer thereof in effect at the time of shipment to the Purchaser. RDL will, without charge, and after written notice has been received and acknowledged by RDL, repair an RDL product if proved to be defective according to the usage of the trade, when such equipment is received by RDL at the location it designates with shipment costs prepaid by the Purchaser. RDL shall not be liable for any expense whether for repairs, replacements, material, service, or otherwise, incurred by the Purchaser or modifications made by the Purchaser to the product. No equipment shall be deemed defective if it shall fail to operate in a normal or proper manner due to exposure to excessive moisture in the atmosphere, excessive temperature extremes, improper environmental cleanliness, or any other environment not consistent with the principles of good engineering practice. In no event shall RDL have any liability for consequential damage or expense directly or indirectly arising from the use of the products, or any inability to use it either separately or in combination with other equipment or materials, or from any other cause, whether used in accordance with instructions or not. This warranty is void if equipment is altered in any way by other than RDL. RDL products are NOT intended for use in life support appliances, devices, or systems. Use of RDL products in such applications is done solely at the liability of the reseller/installer and/or end user. RDL reserves the right to change design parameters and specifications at any time without notice. The performance measurements reflect the products at the time of printing. This warranty is in lieu of all others, either expressed or implied. No representative is authorized to assume for RDL any other liability in connection with RDL products.