What this part is and where it fits
The Maxim Integrated MAX9724CETC+ is a Class AB stereo headphone amplifier in the DirectDrive® series. It delivers 63 mW per channel into a 32 Ω load from a 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply, which means it runs directly off a single-cell Li-ion battery or a USB rail without needing a separate boost converter. The part is aimed at portable audio gear — smartphones, tablets, portable media players, and headphone DAC/amp dongles — where board space is tight and the output must drive low-impedance headphones cleanly.
Key features that matter in the field
Built-in depop circuitry eliminates the audible pop when the amplifier turns on or off — no external muting relay or soft-start cap needed. Short-circuit and thermal protection mean the part survives a headphone jack short or a hot day in a car dashboard without latching off permanently. A dedicated shutdown pin lets the system cut power draw to near zero when audio is idle, which is useful for battery life in always-on devices. The output is a stereo 2-channel headphone drive, so one IC covers left and right channels. The operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C covers industrial and automotive cabin environments, not just climate-controlled living rooms.
Lifecycle and sourcing reality
The MAX9724CETC+ is listed as Active with ROHS3 compliance.