TI Delivers Low-Power Stereo Audio Codecs with 7-mW Playback for Portable Consumer Applications

TI Delivers Low-Power Stereo Audio Codecs with 7-mW Playback for Portable Consumer Applications

September 06, 2006

Devices Combine Low Noise, Integrated Class-D Audio Power Amplifier, and Programmable Notch Filters to Increase Performance and Maximize Battery Life

    DALLAS, Sept. 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Texas
Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today introduced
two new stereo audio codecs for battery-operated
applications, including digital still cameras and portable
media players.  Designed to extend battery life by lowering
power consumption, the PCM3793 and PCM3794 audio codecs
offer outstanding 7-milliwatt (mW) playback with a
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 93 dB.  (For more
information, please see http://www.ti.com/pcm379x ) 

    The PCM3793 audio codec further increases power
efficiency by integrating TI's leading Class-D amplifier
technology which is capable of driving 700 mW of output
power per channel into an 8-ohm load.  To complement the
PCM3793, the PCM3794 has no speaker outputs, providing
manufacturers with the flexibility to use an external
amplifier, if desired. 

    "The efficiency of TI's Class-D amplifiers makes
them critical to the success of any battery-powered audio
system," said Susie Inouye, analyst, Databeans. 
"TI provides not only low power and noise, but also
the value-added features manufacturers need to drive down
system costs."

    Optimized for Low Power

    TI's PCM379x codecs offer key features that meet the
specific needs of portable consumer audio OEMs, including:

    Notch filter with programmable center frequencies:
Without a notch filter, digital camera manufacturers have
had to disable zooming during video recording to prevent
camera lens motor noise from disrupting the audio track.

    Tone control: OEMs can maximize audio performance for a
particular application (i.e., jazz or classical) using bass,
treble and mid-range equalization effects.

    3-D enhancement: Speakers that are close together can
be made to seem further apart for a richer, "wide
stereo" effect.

    An on-chip, digital audio processor keeps signal
processing in the digital domain, giving OEMs more control,
lower noise and better power efficiency.  The PCM379x codecs
also can be operated with only one power supply, whereas
other codecs require an additional power supply for analog
and digital circuitry.  An integrated cap-less headphone
driver reduces external component count and increases bass
frequency response.

    PCM379x audio codecs support standard interfaces for
audio (I2S, L-R justified, DSP) and control (I2C, SPI), as
well as multiple single-ended and differential inputs and
outputs (six inputs for both, with five outputs for the
PCM3793 and three for the PCM3794).  Additionally, inputs
are selectable, and outputs can be mixed, giving designers
control over a wide range of applications.

    "With exceptionally low playback power and
integrated features in the PCM379x codecs, TI has struck
the optimal balance of power and performance that our
customers require," said Greg Davis, high performance
portable audio marketing manager, Texas Instruments.
"For instance, it's exciting that we can help enable
features, such as zooming while recording video on a
digital still camera. Additionally, these devices integrate
equalization and audio effects that can be helpful for
portable media players."

    The PCM379x family of devices complements TI's
portfolio of high-performance analog and DSP products for
the portable audio signal chain, including the Digital
Audio platform of DSPs, audio data converters, clocks,
Class-D audio power amplifiers and cap-free headphone
amplifiers. TI provides the silicon, software, systems
expertise and support that enable customers to get to
market quickly. For more information see the Audio
Solutions Guide at ti.com/audio.  In addition, see TI's
power management products for portable consumer
applications at power.ti.com. 

    Availability, Packaging and Pricing

    The PCM3793 and PCM3794 stereo audio codecs are
sampling now and is expected to be in production in
September 2006.  Both are packaged in a standard 32-pin 5x5
mm2 QFN package.  Pricing for the PCM3793 is $4.50 and the
PCM3794 is $4.25 each in quantities of 1,000 units.  A
turnkey evaluation module is expected to be available in
October 2006 that includes a PC-based interface for easily
programming PCM379x devices. 

    Texas Instruments

    Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP
and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world
signal processing requirements. In addition to
Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Educational
& Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas,
Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in
more than 25 countries. 

    Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located
on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com .

    Trademarks

    All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong
to their respective owners.

    For more information, please contact:

     Stephanie Groswirt
     Texas Instruments
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

     Wes Robinson
     GolinHarris
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Texas Instruments Incorporated