Overview

The TDA2003 (TDA2003V) is a 10W single-chip audio power amplifier IC manufactured by STMicroelectronics. Enclosed in a 5-lead Pentawatt package (TO-220-5 style), it was developed as an improved drop-in replacement for the classic TDA2002 in car radios, CB transceivers, and 12V battery-powered portable PA systems.

Operating on a single supply voltage from 8.0V to 18.0V DC (14.4V nominal car battery voltage), the TDA2003 delivers up to 10 Watts into a $2\ \Omega$ load (or $6\text{W}$ into $4\ \Omega$) with high output peak current capability ($3.5\text{ A}$ continuous / $4.5\text{ A}$ peak). It features load-dump voltage surge protection (up to $40\text{V}$), thermal shutdown, and output AC/DC short-circuit protection.

Quick reference

Pinout (5-Lead Pentawatt Package)

Looking at the front labeled face of the Pentawatt package with leads pointing down:

        ┌─────────────┐
        │   O   [TAB] │  (Metal Mounting Tab = GROUND / GND)
        ├─────────────┤
        │   TDA2003   │  (Front Package Face)
        └─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬───┘
          1 2 3 4 5

Standard 12V Car Audio Application Circuit

  Audio Input ───[10µF Cap]───► [Pin 1: +IN]
                                    TDA2003
  +12V/14.4V DC Supply ───────► [Pin 5: Vs]
  Ground (GND) ───────────────► [Pin 3: GND & Metal Tab]

  [Pin 4: OUT] ───[ 1000µF Electrolytic Cap ]───► ( + ) $4\ \Omega$ Speaker
                                                  │
                                          [ 39Ω + 0.1µF Zobel to GND ]

Common mistakes

• Forgetting output DC-decoupling capacitor ($1000\ \mu\text{F}$): Because the TDA2003 operates from a single supply rail, the output pin (Pin 4) sits at half supply voltage ($V_S / 2 \approx 7.2\text{V}$). A large $1000\ \mu\text{F}$ capacitor is mandatory in series with the speaker to block DC current.
• Running without a heatsink at high volume: Driving a $2\ \Omega$ or $4\ \Omega$ speaker near $10\text{W}$ generates substantial heat. Always attach the metal tab to a suitable heat sink.

Notes

• TDA2003 vs LM386 vs TDA2030: LM386 produces $0.7\text{W}$; TDA2003 produces $10\text{W}$ on a single 12V supply; TDA2030 requires higher supply voltages ($>18\text{V}$ split or $30\text{V}$ single).