Abstract: Pulse width modulated (“Class D”) amplifiers and controllers switching in the 50 khz to 2 MHz range generate harmonics that interfere with AM radio reception. This interference has precluded wide spread acceptance of class D amplifiers in products that include an AM radio. The amplifier described here uses a a harmonic avoidance modulator when operating with an AM radio to avoid generating harmonics at the receiver selected frequency or the intermediate (IF) frequency thereof.

Abstract: Pulse width modulated (“Class D”) amplifiers and controllers switching in the 50 khz to 2 MHz range generate harmonics that interfere with AM radio reception. This interference has precluded wide spread acceptance of class D amplifiers in products that include an AM radio. The amplifier described here uses a a harmonic avoidance modulator when operating with an AM radio to avoid generating harmonics at the receiver selected frequency or the intermediate (IF) frequency thereof.

Abstract: A circuit for avoiding AM radio interference in a class D amplifier includes comparing means that compares the frequency of an AM signal to one or more reference signals. The comparing means generates comparator signals indicative of whether the first signal is greater than, less than or equal to the reference signals. A frequency divisor signal that represents a frequency divisor number is issued dependent at least in part upon the comparator signals. Dividing means generate an oscillator signal for the class D amplifier that has a frequency derived by dividing the frequency of the AM signal by the frequency divisor number.

Abstract: Pulse width modulated (“Class D”) amplifiers and controllers switching in the 50 khz to 2 MHz range generate harmonics which interfere with AM radio reception. This has precluded wide spread acceptance of class D amplifiers in products with an AM radio. The amplifiers described here use a modified modulation technique when operating with an AM radio to avoid generating harmonics at the receiver selected frequency or its intermediate (IF) frequency. One embodiment uses a harmonic avoidance modulator. A second embodiment uses two or more oscillators and tests for the least distorted output signal. A third embodiment switches the mode of operation to a class AB amplifier when an AM signal is amplified.