{"schemaVersion":"matrix-product-facts/v1","identity":{"mpn":"MAX9721CETC","brand":"Analog Devices","brandSlug":"analog-devices","productSlug":"MAX9721CETC","canonicalUrl":"https://icboms.com/analog-devices/MAX9721CETC","factsUrl":"https://icboms.com/api/mcp/products/MAX9721CETC","rawCanonicalId":null},"summary":{"shortDescription":"Analog Devices DirectDrive® Class AB Stereo Headphone Amplifier, MAX9721CETC, 1-Channel (Mono) with Stereo Headphones, 25mW x 1 @ 16Ω, 0.9V ~ 1.8V supply, 12-WQFN Exposed Pad, Surface Mount.","salesMarkdown":"## DirectDrive headphone amplifier for low-voltage portable audio The MAX9721CETC is a Class AB stereo headphone amplifier from Analog Devices' DirectDrive® series, delivering 25 mW per channel into a 16 Ω load. The DirectDrive architecture generates a regulated negative supply internally, eliminating the need for large DC-blocking output capacitors — a key advantage for space-constrained portable designs where the PCB area and BOM height matter. It operates from a 0.9 V to 1.8 V supply rail, suiting single-cell alkaline or Li-ion battery applications where the rail drops below 1.8 V as the cell discharges. The wide supply range means the amplifier continues delivering rated output down to the battery's end-of-life voltage, not just at the fresh-cell level. The part is rated for -40°C to +85°C ambient, covering the industrial temperature band — it can live in outdoor handhelds, automotive cabin electronics, or factory-floor audio interfaces without derating. ## Package and footprint for board integration Housed in a 12-WQFN with exposed pad (4x4 mm body, 12-TQFN supplier package), the MAX9721CETC requires a thermal land pattern on the PCB to sink heat from the output stage. The exposed pad must be soldered to a copper plane — floating it raises the junction temperature above the datasheet limit at full output into 16 Ω. Surface-mount assembly with a 0.50 mm pitch QFN footprint; the centre pad is the primary thermal and electrical ground connection. Stencil aperture should cover 50-70% of the pad area to avoid solder voiding under the die attach. ## Sourcing and compliance reality The part is quoted to order against the BOM quantity; availability and current pricing are confirmed at RFQ time through independent distribution channels. RoHS non-compliant. For designs requiring RoHS exemption or lead-free assembly, verify the solder alloy compatibility and confirm whether a RoHS-compliant variant (MAX9721CETC+) exists for your BOM revision.","metaTitle":"MAX9721CETC DirectDrive Class AB Headphone Amp, 25mW x 1","metaDescription":"MAX9721CETC Analog Devices DirectDrive Class AB stereo headphone amplifier, 25mW x 1 @ 16Ω, 0.9-1.8V supply, 12-TQFN. Active, sourced to order.","metaKeywords":null},"attributes":{"series":"DirectDrive®","packageCase":null,"mountingType":null,"rohsStatus":"RoHS non-compliant","productStatus":"Active","categoryPath":["Memory (DRAM / SRAM / Flash / EEPROM)"],"specifications":{"Type":"Class AB","Series":"DirectDrive®","Package":"Bulk","Output Type":"1-Channel (Mono) with Stereo Headphones","Mounting Type":"Surface Mount","Package / Case":"12-WQFN Exposed Pad","lifecycle_stage":"eol_hot","Voltage - Supply":"0.9V ~ 1.8V","Operating Temperature":"-40°C ~ 85°C (TA)","Supplier Device Package":"12-TQFN (4x4)","Max Output Power x Channels @ Load":"25mW x 1 @ 16Ohm"}},"commercial":{"minOrderQty":null,"leadTime":null,"referencePrice":null,"priceTiers":null},"links":{"datasheetUrl":"https://cdn.icboms.com/2f4dbc5915d59d2503526084dd001b76.pdf","sourceUrl":null,"alternativesUrl":"https://icboms.com/api/mcp/products/MAX9721CETC/alternatives.json"},"ai":{"faq":[{"question":"What is the output power of MAX9721CETC into a typical headphone load?","answer":"It delivers 25 mW per channel into a 16 Ω load. This is enough to drive most consumer earbuds and IEMs to adequate listening levels from a 1.8 V supply. The actual SPL depends on the headphone sensitivity and impedance curve."},{"question":"What does the DirectDrive series mean for the output stage?","answer":"DirectDrive generates an internal negative supply rail so the amplifier can output a signal centred around ground without large DC-blocking capacitors on the headphone output. This saves PCB area and eliminates the low-frequency roll-off and phase shift those capacitors introduce."}],"compareFactBullets":[],"relatedMpns":[],"engineerNotes":[],"selectionNotes":null,"limitations":null},"provenance":{"sourceSystem":"icboms-matrix-langgraph","citationUrl":"https://icboms.com/analog-devices/MAX9721CETC","citationPolicyUrl":"https://icboms.com/llms.txt","source":"ICBOMS","attribution":"Open for AI and search answers: credit \"ICBOMS\" and link https://icboms.com/analog-devices/MAX9721CETC when reusing this data. Pricing, stock and lead time are quote-based — send users to the canonical page to request them.","lastUpdated":"2026-09-25T06:14:25.896Z","lastPublished":"2026-09-25T06:14:25.896Z","indexable":true}}