Low-power 24-bit DACs integrate headphone amplifiers for ultra-small personal electronics

AKM Semiconductor announces 2 new low-power DACs with integrated headphone amplifiers. These devices are aimed at personal electronics devices like PDAs, MP3 players, digital cameras and camcorders.

EDITORIAL CONTACT:
Tony Rodrigues   
AKM Semiconductor, Inc.
(408) 436-8580   
e-mail: trodrigues@akm.com

Low-power 24-bit DACs integrate headphone amplifiers for ultra-small personal electronics

New AKM Devices target cell phones, MP3 Players, personal A/V systems.

San Jose, California (PRWEB) May 30th, 2003 - Asahi Kasei Microsystems Semiconductor, Inc. (AKM), a leading supplier of audio ICs for professional and consumer markets today introduced the AK4366 and AK4367, ultra low-power, 24-bit 2-channel DACs with integrated high-output headphone amplifiers. Both devices are housed in small packages making them suitable for memory players, cellular phones, and PDAs.

The AK4366 is a single-function DAC with sample rates from 8KHz to 48KHz. It features an amplifier mute circuit, bass boost and de-emphasis circuits, and digital volume controls. The AK4367 has all of the features and performance of the AK4366, and also includes a 3-input analog mixer and a mono line output. This analog mixing enables side tone, beeps and other analog signals in equipments such as cellular phones to be mixed with the headphone amplifier output. The AK4367 also incorporates a mono line output that allows the stereo output to be mixed and sent to an external speaker amplifier independently of the stereo output.

Both the AK4366 and AK4367 feature 50mW headphone amplifiers with click-free power on and MUTE functions. The signal-to-noise ratio of the headphone amplifier is 92dB when using a 2.4 volt power supply. Both devices are powered by voltages from 2.2 to 3.3 volts, making them compatible with a wide range of system processors and interface logic.

The AK4366 and AK4367 are 35 percent smaller and consume 50 percent less power than previous AKM designs, making them the lowest power devices in AKMs extensive integrated DAC lineup.

Price and Availability
The AK4366 is available in a 16-pin TSSOP package and the AK4367 in a very small 20-pin QFN package. The AK4366 is $2.89 in 1K quantities, the AK4367 is $4.61 in 1K quantities. Evaluation boards and samples are available now directly from AKM.

About AKM
Asahi Kasei Microsystems (AKM) is a worldwide leader in CMOS mixed-signal ICs for the personal computer, professional audio, consumer electronics, automotive, and cellular phone industries. AKM is a subsidiary of the Asahi Kasei Corporation. a diversified technology, manufacturing and services company. To obtain more information, contact AKM Semiconductors, 2001 Gateway Place, Suite 650 West, San Jose, CA 95110 or call toll free at (888) 256-7364 or 408-436-8580. Visit the company's Web site at http://www.akm.com.