CODEC Addresses Audio Quality In Memory Based Players

The AK4561 melds on-chip a 16-bit stereo a/d converter and d/a converter, as well as microphone input amplifiers and headphone amplifier. The device addresses the need for higher quality audio recording and playback functions in memory players using MP3, AAC, or ATRAC3 compression in DVCs, movie-compatible DSCs, PDAs, or mobile phones. An automatic level control (ALC) circuit for the microphone amplifier permits small portable systems to have features that would not normally be present at that integration point. In addition to ALC circuits and microphone pre-amps, recording functions included are, internal/external mics and line input selection, and a digital HPF for dc-offset cancellation. The playback functions included are a digital de-emphasis filter, +2 dBV lineout buffer that operates from a 5V power supply, 0 dB to -50 dB volume control, beep signal input, and mono analog outputs. Available in a 64-pin TQFP package, the AK4561 chip costs $9.45 each/1,000. AKM SEMICONDUCTOR, San Jose, CA. (888) 256-7364.