SparkFun
SparkFun I2S Audio Breakout - MAX98357A
The SparkFun I2S Audio Breakout board uses the MAX98357A digital to analog converter (DAC), which converts I2S (not be confused with I2C) audio to an analog ...
The SparkFun I2S Audio Breakout board uses the MAX98357A digital to analog converter (DAC), which converts I2S (not be confused with I2C) audio to an analog signal to drive speakers. The I2S Audio Breakout converts the digital audio signals using the I2S standard to an analog signal and amplifies the signal using a class D amplifier which can deliver up to 3.2W of power into a 4Ω load. The board can be configured to output only the left channel audio, right channel, or both.
The SparkFun I2S Audio Breakout board is fairly simple, requiring only a few pin connections to get it up and working. By default the board is configured in “mono” operation, meaning the left and right signals are combined together to drive a single speaker. If you want a separate speaker for the left and right audio channels you’ll need to cut the mono jumper. In addition to being able to select the audio channel output, the gain can also be configured in a few ways. The gain of the amplifier can be configured from as low as +3dB to as high as +15dB. While the channel selection can be configured on board, the gain however is controlled externally using the gain pin. By default, the board is configured for +9dB, but can be easily changed!
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine 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.
- I2C
- I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.
- 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.
Find this product in
Audio & Video
Brands
SparkFun I2S Audio Breakout Schematic
Schematic · 67.7 KB · Click any page to view full size
MAX98357A/MAX98357B Datasheet
Datasheet · 4.7 MB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 611.2 KB · Click any page to view full size
Resources & Downloads
Guides, code examples, and more
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
