Audio Amplifier

Version 0

The first version of the schematic, completed while learning KiCad fundamentals. This version has some design mistakes that I identified during review, including [add specifics if you can — e.g. incorrect regulator pinout, missing decoupling capacitors, etc.]. I used Claude as a learning resource throughout this stage to understand regulator behavior, KiCad's schematic tools, and best practices for power supply design.

📄 See Advanced Audio Amplifier Schematic.pdf for the full Version 0 schematic.

Version 1

A revised, cleaner version of the schematic with the Version 0 mistakes corrected and the overall layout better organized. This version is still in progress — the schematic is further along, and I'm now working on completing the full PCB layout.

🖼️ See Audio Amplifier Version 1.png for the current schematic.

Version 2

The PCB layout stage — all components have been placed on the board. Routing has not started yet; that's the next step.

📄 See Audio_Amplifier.pdf for the schematic and Audio_Amplifier PCB FULL LAYOUT.pdf for the current component placement.

🖼️ See Audio_Amplifier 3D-PIC.png for a 3D render of the board as placed so far.

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Bill of Materials (from schematic)

Active Components

Passives

Roughly 96 resistors (R1–R96) and 110 capacitors (C1–C110) make up the gyrator filter networks (tuned for the 63Hz–16kHz bands), op-amp gain/bias networks, and decoupling/filtering throughout the board. Full reference-designator values are in the schematic (Audio_Amplifier.pdf).

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Status

🚧 In progress — schematic complete (Version 1); PCB component placement complete (Version 2), routing still to be done.

Tools Used

• KiCad (schematic capture, PCB layout)
• NE5532 dual op-amps (pre-amp and gyrator filter stages)
• LM317 / LM337 adjustable linear regulators, LM2596S-5 switching regulator
• MSGEQ7 spectrum analyzer IC, LMC835N graphic equalizer IC
• Teensy 4.1 microcontroller
• PAM8403D class-D amplifier

What I Learned

Iterating between Version 0 and Version 1 taught me to catch design errors early through review rather than discovering them at the prototyping stage — a habit I now apply to every new project. I also used Claude as a learning tool throughout this project to fill gaps in my coursework, particularly around regulator dropout behavior and KiCad workflow, then applied that understanding directly to my design decisions.