LA4440 6W 2-Channel Power Amplifier

The LA4440 is a high-performance, dual-channel audio power amplifier IC manufactured by Sanyo. It is a low-cost cost widely used audio amplifier IC. Once was one of the most popular choices for car stereos and portable boomboxes. The LA4440 has two output channels and can be used in both stereo and bridge configurations. In stereo mode, this IC can deliver 6W per channel and in bridge mode, it is capable of producing up to 19W  power. The LA4440 operates over a wide voltage range of 12V to 18V, making it suitable for various applications. The LA4440  provides a very low total harmonic distortion and high ripple rejection, which makes high-fidelity audio reproduction possible. The LA4440 has thermal shutdown protection to prevent damage due to overheating and built-in protection against short circuits and overload conditions. It comes in a 14-pin single inline package (SIP).

LA4440 Pinout Configuration

Here are the pinout details for LA4440.    

Features of LA4440

LA4440 Dual channel power amplifier has the following key features:

• Built-in 2 channels (dual) enabling use in stereo and bridge amplifier applications. Dual: 6W×2 (typ.) Bridge: 19W (typ.) 
• Minimum number of external parts required. 
• Good ripple rejection: 46dB (typ.) 
• Good channel separation. 
• Small residual noise (Rg=0). 
• Low distortion over a wide range from low frequencies to high frequencies. 
• Easy to design radiator fin. 
• Built-in audio muting function. 
• Thermal protection
• Overvoltage, surge voltage protection
• Pin-to-pin short protection 

Manufacturers of LA4440:

The LA4440 was originally manufactured by SANYO Electric Co Ltd. 

LA4440 Equivalents

If you are looking for a pin-to-pin compatible equivalent for LA4440, You may check out the CD4440, we don’t know who manufactures it, but it looks like a straight-out clone of LA4440 and a drop-in replacement.

LA4440 Alternatives

If you are looking for an alternative for LA4440 you can look at the other audio amplifier ICs from these. They may not have the same specifications, but they are some of the most popular audio amplifier ICS.

LM386, TDS7294, PAM8610, TDA1554, TDA2030, TDA7294, TDA7265, TDA7279, TDA2005, TDA2002, LM3886 

Note: Complete technical details can be found in the LA4440 datasheet at this page’s end.

LA4440 Schematics

This circuit is a typical application of the LA4440 dual-channel audio amplifier IC, designed for stereo audio amplification. Here we connected the supply voltage to pin 11 and grounds to pin 3 and pin8. The VCC is decoupled with a 1000uf capacitor. We can connect the audio inputs to pin 2 and pin 6. Pins 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 14 are used for additional power supply decoupling and stability, connected to the ground through capacitors C1, C2, C9 (220µF, 16V), and C4. Bootstrap capacitors (C5 and C6, both 0.1µF polyester film capacitors) are connected to Pin 10 and Pin 11 to improve the linearity and output swing of the amplifier stages.
We can connect the speakers to Pin 8 (Output 1) and Pin 9 (Output 2). 

Troubleshooting Tips for LA4440

I'm not getting any audio out from the amplifier. What would be the reason? 

This could be due to various factors like loose connections, a muted amplifier, or a faulty source device. To find the fault first check all cable connections input output and power. Ensure they're securely plugged in. Verify the values of resistors. Also, check the moute pin of the IC and make sure it is not muted.

Getting only Distorted Sound, how to fix it?

Distortion can be caused by various factors. First, check the speaker to make sure you have used the properly rated one. The next thing to check is the amplifier gain. Make sure it's within the limit and not causing any clippings. If needed adjust the gain using a potentiometer at the input.

My amplifier output is very Low:

Low output could be caused by incorrect speaker impedance matching, low power input source or internal amplifier issues. To solve this first try changing the volume of the input source. Verify the speaker impedance matches the amplifier's specifications. Using speakers with a much higher or lower impedance than recommended can affect the output. Check the temperature of the IC if it is high this will lead to the low output mode.

There is a small pop noise when powering ON/OFF the amplifier. Is it ok?
Yes, it is normal with the LA4440 to make a small pop sound when powering on or off the amplifier.

Design tips for LA4440

Is a heatsink necessary for the working of LA4440?

Yes, a heatsink is generally necessary for the proper functioning of the LA4440. The LA4440 generates heat during operation, especially when delivering higher output power. Without a heatsink, this heat can cause the IC's temperature to rise significantly.

How to minimize the humming and buzzing sound?

A constant hum or buzz typically indicates grounding issues, faulty cables, or even interference from nearby electronics. You can follow the below steps to avoid or reduce the humming and buzzing sound. 

1. Ensure all the ground connections in your system are secure.
2. Try using different cables to see if the culprit is a faulty cable.
3. Move the amplifier away from other electronics that might be causing electrical interference.

what are the tips for designing PCB with LA4440?

• Ground Planes: Employ extensive ground planes throughout the PCB. This minimizes noise introduced by stray currents and creates a stable reference for your signal circuits.
• Trace Routing: Keep signal traces as short and direct as possible. This reduces their inductance and minimizes signal attenuation.
• Decoupling Capacitors: Place decoupling capacitors strategically near the power pins of ICs to suppress unwanted noise on the power supply lines.
• Thermal Vias: Utilize thermal vias to transfer heat from hot components to lower copper layers that can act as heat spreaders.
• Component Placement: Position heat-generating components strategically to allow for airflow and minimize thermal coupling between them.
• Trace Width and Thickness: Ensure traces have sufficient width and thickness to handle the expected current without excessive voltage drops.
• Bypass Capacitors: Utilize bypass capacitors with appropriate capacitance values placed close to the power pins of ICs to filter out high-frequency noise on the power supply.

Applications of LA4440

• Car Radio Systems
• Portable Audio Systems
• Battery-Powered amplifiers
• Home Audio Systems
• Stereo Systems
• Home Theaters
• Public Address Systems
• DIY Audio Projects
• Television Audio Amplifiers
• Computer Audio Systems
• Small Signal Amplifiers
• Interactive Devices
• Alarm and Notification Systems

2D Model and Dimensions of LA4440

Here you can find the mechanical drawings of LA4440 along with its dimensions. The dimensions can be used to create custom footprints of the module and be used for PCB or CAD modelling.