Date: 09/10/2009

Single-chip audio subsystem IC with 3D-sound enhancement from STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics has introduced the TS4982, a single-chip audio subsystem IC that include 3D sound enhancement for improved stereo effects and suitable for notebook PCs, mobile internet devices, gaming consoles, and portable multimedia devices.

"Consumers are demanding better stereo-sound quality from their portable computing and multimedia devices, which are becoming smaller and smaller," said Michel Bendridi, Technical Marketing for Audio Products, for ST's Analog and Mixed-Signal Products Business Unit. "To deliver the high-quality sound consumers require in new and innovative small form-factor products, leading computing and consumer manufacturers will need to incorporate chips like the TS4982 that offer highly integrated advanced 3D audio technology, at consumer price points."

The key features of the TS4982 are,

An independent standby mode pin allows the TS4982 to simultaneously drive both output
drivers
It also has an internal thermal shutdown (150° C)
Output short circuit protection mechanism

The TS4982 includes a 2 x 2W stereo speaker driver, a 125mW stereo headphone driver, four-step digital volume control, pop-and-click reduction circuitry to attenuate unwanted system noises, and PC-beep pass-through capability. The TS4982 uses low current of 10nA in shutdown mode, which minimizes the audio subsystem's effect on battery life when not being used.

The TS4982 also saves the pc-board space through ground-referenced circuitry for the headphone driver to avoid the need to add DC-blocking capacitors. The DC-blocking capacitors also represent a source of noise, removing these also contributes to higher audio quality. In addition, the TS4982 speaker driver has a Bridge-Tied Load (BTL) output, which produces high audio power with high efficiency.

Package: 5 x 5mm lead-free QFN32 package
Price: Below $0.40 in volume quantities
Availability: Now in production

Editorial rating of this product: Average

For more details visit www.st.com