Bang & Olufsen ICEpower

Bang & Olufsen ICEpower Technology Revolution

bang&olufsen-icepower

ICEpower, Bang and Olufsen’s amplifier switching technology has revolutionized the efficiency of power conversion for audio use. For a speaker to work efficiently there must be consistent power conversion from the electrical mains all the way down to the loudspeaker. B&O has managed to raise this efficiency across this entire range, from the mains to the loudspeaker’s acoustical output.

Class D amplifiers

The switching technology in B&O’s class D amps is created by Metal-Oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors, which allows the amp to make an on/off action upwards of 500,000 times per second. This action of rapid “Switch Triggering” creates a continuous voltage and reproduces an audio signal.

The audio signal pulse width is modulated by comparing it with a reference signal (carrier) which can be performed in either the digital or analogue domain. The resulting small signal PWM is converted to power levels by the power switch. Ideal switching elements operating either ‘on’ or ‘off’ is the secret behind the theoretical very high efficiency of the PWM based amplifier. The carrier is a sawtooth or a triangle signal corresponding to single sided modulation (leading or trailing edge) and double sided modulation, respectively. More information on digital amps can be found at Karsten Nielsen’s PhD Thesis Papers from AES Convention.Why is this important? This technology allows for smaller and more efficient amplifiers that produce less heat, which is great for today’s electronics that continue to challenge the current limits in design (thinner, smaller, and more unique). The older linear amp technologies use materials like iron, coils, and copper which creates a problem with today’s lifestyle design needs. They are also less efficient at 35-50 percent efficiency compared to a class D amp’s 80 percent efficiency.

A short History of ICEpower

Back in 1994 Karsten Nielsen started working on his PhD dissertation in ‘Audio Power Amplifiers Techniques Based on Efficient Power Conversion’ as part of a collaboration project between Bang & Olufsen and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Already in 1997 even before Karsten Nielsen’s dissertation is finalized, B&O applies his findings to the new speaker system BeoLab 1, which proved the excellent performance and reliability of the improved Class D amplifiers. In 2005, ICEpower defines its four focus markets: Speaker Engines (consumer and professional speakers, stand-alone amplifiers, music systems, etc.), Home Theater, Automotive Audio and Portable Audio. During the same year: Within the Speaker Engine division, the ASC Series of solutions is launched. Within the Automotive Audio division, the ICEcar1 platform is developed to be applied in B& O audio system for Audi cars, as well as in the after-market audio systems of Pioneer, Alpine and Fujitsu Ten. Peter Sommer joins ICEpower as the President & CEO. MobileSound1 platform is developed as part of the Samsung-ICEpower collaboration. ICEpower amplifiers now drive 40 percent of all Samsung phone models worldwide. Then in 2006 the development of the ICEcar2 platform is initiated. The platform will be marketed to the leading international automotive manufacturers, and one year later, the ASX2 Series of audio power conversion solutions is launched. The same year the first Home Theater solution, the 150ASH7 is launched, and the 100ASH7 is in development as well as the MobileSound 2 platform is in development.

User’s experiences with ICEpower

From AVguide Forum there is one very illustrative case of how Class D technology is gaining acceptance in high-end audio circles: _”I bought a pair of ICEpower monoblocks because I needed something to power my surround speakers. Up till then, I have been using a pair of Mark Levinson No.33H No.33H” to power my main speakers. The ICEpower was so tiny, I bought them out of the very reasons Mr. Harley questioned: small form factor, energy efficient, and hence ease of placement.”_ Then he goes into further saying: _”Out of curiosity, I hooked up the ICEpower to drive my main speakers. The result was astonishing. Better dynamics, more clarity and presence, and effortless control over the Revel Salon (backthen). The differences were not subtle. I am well aware that sometimes, we get confused by ‘different’ and ‘better’ sound. Different does not necessary mean better. I did not want to be overwhelmed by the difference. I let the amps play over the course of a few more weeks. I switched back to the 33H, and I personally really prefer the ICEpower sound over the 33H. I sold my 33H about 2 months after I bought the ICEpower.”

The Future of ICEpower as illustrated in Wikipedia With the expansion of the technology, and the sheer existence of the companies using the technology it seems fair to say that ICEpower is here to stay and grow with the industry.

Home Theater: Pioneer Electronics: ICEpower’s 10 channel x 140W solutions drives Pioneer’s new flagship Susano A/V Receiver (Elite SC-09TX) for home theater systems.

Automotive audio: Audi: Audi A8 / S8 and Q7 models feature Bang & Olufsen’s audio systems powered by ICEpower ICEcar,Volvo Cars: Volvo XC70, C70, S70 and V70 models carry audio systems jointly developed by Alpine, Dolby Laboratories and Dynaudio, driven by the ICEpower ICEcar1 platform.

Mercedes AMG: Mercedes E Class AMG and CLS Class AMG are equipped with a customized ProCar audio system powered by ICEpower’s A Series solutions.

Pioneer Car: ICEpower custom design platform has been integrated into two of Pioneer’s Premier Reference Series (PRS) of automotive amplifiers.

Alpine: ICEpower’s custom-designed solutions drive the Alpine PDX line of amplifiers. Eclipse by Fujitsu Ten: ICEpower drives a line of high-end Eclipse aftermarket automotive audio systems.

Portable audio: Samsung Electronics: ICEpower MobileSound1 amplifiers drive the complete Ultra Edition II range of mobile phones Bang & Olufsen and Samsung: high-end version of ICEpower’s MobileSound1 drives Serenata Mobile.

Consumer audio: Adam Audio: the Tensor line of loudspeakers for home use is powered by ICEpower solutions; as well 29 other consumer and professional audio products of Adam Audio. Bang & Olufsen: numerous B&O loudspeaker models are driven by ICEpower. Among them is the BeoLab5.

Bowers & Wilkins: ICEpower modules drive four models of active subwoofers.Jeff Rowland Design Group: applies ICEpower solutions in seven different products. KEF: ICEpower drives KEF’s HTB2 sub woofer.

MartinLogan: ICEpower is applied in Martin Logan’s Purity – the world’s first fully active hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker, as well as in the Summit and Vantage loudspeakers.Midgard Audio of Norway three monoblock amplifier models (Oberon 2.1, Oberon 4.1, and Oberon 6.1) are driven by ICEpower.

Rotel: three multichannel amplifier models (RB-1091, RB-1092, and RMB-1077) are driven by ICEpower. Seymour AV: three monoblock amplifier models (IB2001, IB5001, and IB10001) are driven by ICEpower. D-Sonic Custom Audio: mono, stereo and multichannel ICEpower amplifiers from 250W to 525W/ch/8ohms.

Professional audio:

Adam Audio: studio monitors are driven by ICEpower.

A-LINE Acoustics: Concert and Touring speakers are driven by ICEpower.

D.A.S.: sound reinforcement. ICEpower solutions are applied in 20 products, active speakers and subwoofers.Bang and Olufsen now owns 100% of ICEpower Up until recently Bang and Olufsen has only owned 90% of the shares in ICEpower.

The remaining 10% was owned by Co-founder of ICEpower, Karsten Nielsen. As described by Bang & OIufsen’s Chairman of the Board, ” It means Very much for Bang & Olufsen that we now gain full control of Bang & Olufsen ICEpower a/s.

ICEpower’s high-pitched technology counts in large part for our audio products, in terms of music systems, televisions and sound systems for the automobile industry.” Karsten will be leaving the company because, he has found that most fo his personal goals with the company have been established, and he’s currently seeking a new experience. Leadership of ICEpower will now be through Peter Sommer, CEO; Kristain Ougarrd, Director of Product Development; and Tomas Schionning, Director of Operations.

Bang and Olufsen 7-Channel Power conversion solutions In true B&o fashion, the new ASH7 solutions create the ultimate audio performance. These new solutions are capable of surpassing even the best Class AB amplifiers and meets requirements for THX Ultra2 certification, and THX Select 2 certification. B&o has been able to surpass the typical power bandwidth of 5-7kHz, and bring in an extended bandwidth of 120kHz and a full 20kHz power bandwidth. This newer integrated technology solves many problems with power to speakers conversion. Many of those problems involved specialist and extensive R&D.

The new ASH7 ICEpower all-in-one solutions creates an amazing new convenience. A Show of the True Advantages of Bang & Olufsen’s ICEpower, A Partnership with Rotel The engineers of Rotel and Bang & Olufsen have worked on an a special custom series of Class D amplifiers for about a year and a half. With the use of proprietary ICEpower technologies, such as Controlled Oscillation Modulation (COM), and Multivariable Enhanced Cascade Control (MECC), they were able to create consistent and distortion-free power even with the most discerning complex speaker loads and power input differences. These amplifiers allow for a smaller size, lower weight, and with the help of efficient energy design, there is low heat production.

Below are extracts from reviews by the specialized international press:

Paul Miller of Hi-Fi News (UK) on Rotel RMB-1077: Custom install professionals are crying out for amps like this… there is simply no other multichannel power amplifier available that’s this compact, elegant in appearance and cool-headed in operation. PWM [Pulse Width Modulation] amplifiers have rarely, if ever, achieved the audiophile sound quality demanded by committed home cinema enthusiasts. Until now, and the sensitive implementation of B&O’s ICEpower technology by Rotel’s ‘golden eared’ engineers. The RMB-1077 is not only a long-awaited milestone in the evolution of Class D amplifiers, but it’s also a pocket-sized power station for the grandest of home theatres. (December 2005, ‘Keeping Cool’).

Jim Bray of TechnoFile.com Magazine on Rotel RMB-1077: I had to laugh when I first unpacked the RMB-1077. I mean, how can you take seriously an amp this size that calls itself audiophile and commands a price of $2500 U.S.? If it hadn’t had the familiar Rotel name on it… – I’d have had trouble taking it seriously. And it should be taken seriously: the 100 watts per channel this little critter cranks out do an amazing job of filling the listening room with excellent, clean and transparent sound. The sound is open and spacious, making the speakers disappear from the listening area and putting you right into the experience – just as a good amp should.(24 Feb. 2006, ‘Rotel’s Digital Amplifier Trims the Fat, not the Sound’, )

Thomas J. Norton of Ultimate AV.com on Rotel RMB-1077: While I don’t expect Class D amplifiers to displace conventional solid-state amps overnight, I wouldn’t be surprised if they eventually dominate the market. In the Rotel-1077, that future may be here now. This is an outstanding amp by any standard – Class A, A/B, or D.(May 2006, ‘Rotel RMB-1077 Amplifier’)

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