Hypex Electronics is a Dutch electronics company known for its class-D audio amplifier modules. These employ a control method called Universal class D (UcD), invented by Bruno Putzeys and patented by Philips.[1]

History

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The company was formed in 1996.[2] Hypex began producing the UcD in the early 2000s after Philips declined to use Putzeys' technology in its own product range. By 2004, the company had produced a 180-watt Class-D amplifier on a 40-square-centimetre (6.2 sq in) board with around 0.02% total harmonic distortion. Putzeys joined Hypex full-time in 2005, and began working on UcD's follow-up, the NCore, with an improved reduction in distortion with 92% efficiency.[1]

Products

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Hypex modules can be found in some high-end audio products,[3][4] including NAD Electronics (who produce customised versions of the original Hypex UcD)[5][6] or in musical instrument amplifiers.[7] The TEAC AX-505 amplifier is driven by a Hypex Class D nCore,[8] as is the NAD Master Series M10 streaming amplifier.[9]

The NCore 400 is available in kit form, that allows the module to be used in lower-end equipment.[10] It supports a signal-to-noise ratio of 125 decibels and a switching speed of 470-530 kilohertz.[11]

Manufacturing

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The company has its own production facility based in Malaysia. The first factory was established in Simpang Empat in 2011, moving to Parit Buntar in 2017.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b "The Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame: Philips UcD Audio Amplifier". IEEE Spectrum: Technology, Engineering, and Science News.
  2. ^ a b "All ears to serve customers' needs". The Star Online. August 5, 2017.
  3. ^ "Audio Alchemy DPA-1M monoblock power amplifier". Stereophile.com. August 30, 2016.
  4. ^ "Interview Bruno Putzeys – Kii Audio, nCore – Alpha-Audio" – via www.alpha-audio.nl.
  5. ^ "Product of the Month: NAD C 388". Gramophone.
  6. ^ Sait, Daniel J. (December 17, 2019). "NAD Electronics' CI 8–120 DSP Amp Targets Distributed Audio Systems".
  7. ^ Herrera, Jonathan. "Hartke TX600 Head review". Guitar World.
  8. ^ Sparrow, Mark (1 August 2019). "This New Amplifier From TEAC Looks Retro But It Packs An Almighty Punch". Forbes. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  9. ^ "Is this the best streaming amp ever?". Pocket Lint. 28 November 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
  10. ^ "Review Hypex nCore 400 bouwpakket".
  11. ^ "Review Hypex nCore 400 bouwpakket - Pagina 5 van 5".
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