An improved Class BD amplifier provides an amplified output signal by
pulse width modulation techniques by sampling a carrier wave, usually a
triangular or saw tooth waveform, according to an input signal to be
amplified, as in a conventional class D amplifier. The resulting sampling
waveform controls the connectivity of the potential supplies 34, 36 to
the power rails 14, 18 via the first switch 12 so that a first potential
and a second potential are alternately supplied to the first power rail
14 and so that a third potential and fourth potential are alternately
supplied to the second power rail 18. As shown in FIG. 8, the first
potential is positive, the second and third potentials are at ground, and
the fourth potential is negative. In addition, a constant potential
difference is maintained between the first and second power rails 14, 18.
The power rails are alternately connected to a Class AD output stage 26
by another switch 30, the connectivity of which is controlled by a second
sampling waveform, PWM.sub.2. This second sampling waveform PWM.sub.2may
also be derived by sampling a triangular or saw tooth carrier wave by the
input signal.