Date: 10/06/2010

New audio codec IC from Cirrus for smartphones and mobile consumer electronics applications

Cirrus Logic has introduced the CS42L73, ultra low-power audio codec chip designed for smartphone applications and the CS35L0X an analog-input, hybrid Class D speaker amplifier for mobile communications and portable devices.

The CS42L73 codec allows smart phones to conserve energy and extend battery life by offloading audio-related tasks, such as signal routing and processing, typically reserved for the applications processor. The CS42L73 consists of three serial audio ports and asynchronous sample rate converters, which enables it to manage the complex routing, processing and mixing of a variety of multiformat audio signals, such as voice, music MP3s, ringtones and streaming audio. It also consists of two analog-to-digital converters and four digital-to-analog converters (DACs) based on an advanced, high-quality, multibit Delta Sigma architecture. The DACs can drive five outputs, including ground-centered stereo Class H headphone and line drivers, an ear-piece driver and a low EMI hands-free speaker driver. The analog front end supports both line and microphone inputs with both programmable gain amplifiers and automatic level control. Dual microphone pre-amplifiers and bias supplies are integrated for analog microphones, and an interface for dual digital microphones is also included. The CS42L73 rated power consumption is 4 mW during a voice call and during Stereo playback to the headphone it only dissipates 3.5 mW.

Cirrus Logic has also developed the CS35L00 (+6/+12 dB gain), CS35L01 (+6 dB gain), and CS35L03 (+12 dB gain) hybrid Class D audio amplifiers. Using an advanced closed-loop Delta Sigma architecture and hybrid Class D technology, the amplifier family combines Class D efficiency and output power with low idle current consumption and minimal EMI found typically only in class AB amplifiers.

The CS35L00 family of amplifiers consumes 0.9mA of quiescent current, which Cirrus says is 40 percent less than the nearest competitor. This advantage is enabled by patent-pending techniques for adjusting the amplifier voltage rails to suit the signal being amplified and not waste power when the amplifier is idle or the output signal is at a low amplitude. It also processes a dynamic output switching frequency adjustment and edge control and thus can deliver good EMI performance, power consumption and audio quality. These ICs target not only smartphones and general market handsets but also other consumer applications such as laptop computers, wireless headsets, digital video cameras and camcorders and portable gaming devices.

"Cirrus Logic is expanding its product portfolio in mobile communications for a broad range of customers," said Jason Rhode, president and chief executive officer, Cirrus Logic. "Our strategy is to continue to develop innovative products, such as the CS42L73 and CS35L0X, that solve real problems for smartphones and portable devices, especially in areas such as lowering system power while retaining high audio quality."

Package:
The CS42L73 is provided in a 64-ball WLCSP package.
The CS35L00 is provided in a 10-pin DFN package.
The CS35L01/03 are provided in a 9-ball WLCSP package.

Price:
The CS42L73 is priced at US$1.95 in quantities of 10,000.
The CS35L00 is priced at US$.35 in quantities of 10,000.
The CS35L01/03 are priced at US$0.32 in quantities of 10,000.

Availability: Now