Amplification of signals output from bridge-tied load audio amplifiers

A boost amplifier for use with a load and a BTL audio amplifier that outputs balanced audio signals with both DC and AC components into a load, the BTL amplifier having a output current capacity and a dynamic output power capacity, the boost amplifier comprising:

• means for receiving and amplifying at least one of the audio signals from the BTL amplifier, the audio amplifier having a dynamic output power capacity and applying the amplified audio signals to the load;
• means for receiving and rectifying at least one of the audio signals from the BTL amplifier, the means for receiving and rectifying producing at least one single-ended input power signal;
• regulator means for converting the single-ended input power signal into at least one regulated power signal having a higher magnitude than the single-ended input power signal, the regulator means presenting a variable input impedance to the BTL amplifier such that the output current capacity of the BTL amplifier is not exceeded;
• means for storing DC power received from the regulated power signal and for supplying sufficient power to the means for receiving and amplifying that the dynamic output power capacity of the audio amplifier exceeds the dynamic output power capacity of the BTL amplifier, the means for storing and supplying being the only power source for the means for receiving and amplifying.

A boost amplifier for use with a load and a BTL audio amplifier that outputs balanced audio signals with both DC and AC components into a load, the boost amplifier comprising:

• an audio amplifier that receives and amplifies at least one of the audio signals from the BTL amplifier, the audio amplifier applying the amplified audio signals to the load;
• at least one diode that receives at least one of the audio signals from the BTL amplifier and produces a single-ended input power signal;
• at least one switch mode boost regulator that converts the single-ended input power signal into at least one regulated power signal having a higher magnitude than the single-ended input power signal, wherein the single-ended input power signal is the only power supplied to the switch mode boost regulator;
• and
• a DC power reservoir that receives and stores power from the regulated power signal, the power reservoir supplying sufficient power to operate the audio amplifier and being the only power source for the audio amplifier.