Adafruit
Adafruit I2S 3W Class D Amplifier Breakout - MAX98357A
The Adafruit MAX98357A I2S Class D Amplifier Breakout is an all-in-one digital audio solution that decodes I2S audio and amplifies it directly to a speaker —...
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The Adafruit MAX98357A I2S Class D Amplifier Breakout is an all-in-one digital audio solution that decodes I2S audio and amplifies it directly to a speaker — no separate DAC required. Delivering up to 3.2W into a 4Ω speaker, it's a compact and efficient way to add amplified sound to your Raspberry Pi, Arduino Zero, or any microcontroller with I2S output.
The Class D amplifier design is highly efficient, running from 2.7V to 5.5V DC — perfect for portable and battery-powered projects. It accepts 3.3V or 5V logic I2S input and supports sample rates from 8 kHz to 96 kHz with no MCLK required.
Key Features
- 3.2W Output Power – Drives 4Ω speakers at up to 3.2W (5V supply, 10% THD) or 1.8W into 8Ω
- I2S Digital Audio Input – Accepts standard I2S with 3.3V or 5V logic, no separate DAC needed
- Class D Efficiency – Highly efficient amplifier ideal for battery-powered projects
- Adjustable Gain – Five pin-selectable gain levels: 3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB (default), 12 dB, and 15 dB
- Mono Channel Selection – Outputs stereo mix (L+R)/2 by default; configurable for left-only or right-only
- Wide Sample Rate Support – 8 kHz to 96 kHz, no MCLK required
- Built-in Protection – Thermal shutdown and over-current protection
- Click & Pop Suppression – Clean audio transitions with minimal artefacts
- 77 dB PSRR – Excellent power supply rejection at 1 kHz
Ideal For
- Raspberry Pi audio projects and media players
- Portable and battery-powered sound systems
- Arduino Zero and other I2S-capable microcontroller projects
- Compact amplified audio where space is limited
Package Contents
- 1× Adafruit MAX98357A I2S Amplifier Breakout (assembled and tested)
- 1× 0.1" Header Strip
- 1× 3.5 mm Terminal Block
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- breakout
- A breakout board carries a small or fine-pitched component and brings its connections out to standard, breadboard- and header-friendly pins. Describing a part as a breakout means it can be wired into a project without soldering directly to the component's tiny contacts.
- DAC
- A digital-to-analogue converter turns numbers from the microcontroller into a real analogue voltage. It matters if you want to generate simple waveforms, audio-style signals, or variable control voltages rather than just on/off outputs.
- DC
- DC means direct current, where electricity flows in one constant direction, as supplied by batteries, USB ports and many plug-pack power supplies. When a product specifies DC, it runs from a DC supply rather than mains AC, so you need to provide the correct voltage and polarity.
- I2S
- I2S is a digital audio interface used to send sound data between chips, such as from a microcontroller to an audio amplifier or DAC. It matters if your project needs cleaner digital audio output than a basic buzzer or PWM signal can provide.
- microcontroller
- A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip that runs a stored program and controls connected inputs and outputs such as buttons, sensors, displays and communication interfaces. In a device built around one, it is the part that executes the code and coordinates the device's behaviour.
- Terminal block
- A terminal block is a connector that joins wires together in a neat, removable, or serviceable way, usually clamping each wire under a screw or spring instead of soldering. It makes it easier to connect, change, or service wiring without permanent joints.
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