What is the purpose of this FET?

[Axtman]

What is the purpose of the FET (Q5) in the following circuit? Pin 3 is the input to the amplifier (U2)..

[Axtman]

Here is the full schematic:

crate_tx_15_sch.pdf

[g1]

Looks like a mute Fet. C19 takes a bit of time to charge at turn on. Q5 shorts the signal to ground until C19 is charged.

[The Dude]

^^^^^^^ Yes, that!

[Axtman]

Thanks guys!

The TDA-7240A is such a small wattage amplifier I would not think it would mind being slammed with a signal right away.

Maybe this has something to do with removing popping sound. Buth then the speaker is small and I would think a small pop wouldn't hurt them.

[patlaw]

It's slow to unmute and quick to mute (when the power is removed.)