Atmel Launches AT73C240 Audio Companion IC

Audio quality gets a big reprieve as Atmel has launched its AT73C240 Audio Companion IC for portable multimedia applications. Manufactured on Atmel’s low-cost mainstream CMOS process, the AT73C240 integrates an audio quality 20-bit Stereo DAC and an up to 1W audio power amplifier. The AT73C240 is ideally suited for portable applications where a high-quality audio interface is required, such as new-generation mobile phones, PDAs, palmtop computers, digital still cameras, portable multimedia devices and music players, etc.

The AT73C240 integrates a complete high-performance stereo audio digital-to-analog converter delivering a 90 dB dynamic range, followed by a 32-Ohm stereo headset driver with programmable volume control and mute function. The stereo DAC comprises a multi-bit sigma-delta modulator with dither, continuous time analog filters and analog output drive circuitry. The master clock is 256 or 384 times the sampling frequency, allowing the choice of input data rate up to 50 kHz, including standard audio rates of 48, 44.1, 32, 16 and 8 kHz. The stereo 32-Ohm headset drivers also include a mixer for a pair of stereo inputs.

Atmel offers the AT73C240 in a 5×5mm, 32-pin QFN package in order to satisfy portable device manufacturers’ minimum space requirements. It is available now mounted on a reference design board or as engineering samples. Production quantities are also available, with a reference price below $US 0.80 in large quantities.

(Source) Press