TI audio subsystem is one step closer to HiFi wireless handsets

Bernard Cole
iApplianceWeb
(08/11/08, 8:15 AM GMT)

Dallas, Tex.- Continuing in its drive to make mobile phone handsets equivalent in audio quality to the best home stereo system, but at a fraction of the cost, Texas Instruments has introduced an analog-input audio subsystem for a variety of handsets.

It integrates TI's stereo Class-D power amplifier and stereo DirectPath headphone amplifier into one compact package. Being sampled now by a number of mobile device makers, the company expects to start high volume deliveries by the beginning of next year.

The TPA2050D4 audio subsystem is highly flexible, enabling device builders to choose different input-to-output configurations and program design parameters to optimize audio performance.

Integrating all amplifier channels into one integrated circuit reduces bill of materials, lowers cost and enables sleeker end designs in wireless handsets, portable DVD players, portable gaming and portable media players.

The IC’s audio subsystem includes a stereo Class-D amplifier that provides a 1.4-W per channel output drive capability into 8-ohm loudspeakers with 90 percent efficiency to extend battery life in portable applications.

The subsystem also features a low-noise stereo DirectPath headphone amplifier that eliminates the need for DC-blocking output capacitors to reduce component count.

The audio subsystem provides two stereo single-ended inputs that can be configured as one stereo differential input to achieve better common-mode noise rejection.

Also, the user can program different gains and modes via a 1.8-V compatible I2C interface. For example, each input channel has a 32-step volume control with an additional four-level gain control for the headphone amplifier.

This allows the headphone volume to differ from the loudspeaker volume if both are used simultaneously, increasing flexibility for the consumer.

The voltage limiter on the headphone amplifier help headphone makers avoid hearing damage at high volumes and enable compliance of maximum volume standards.

To learn more, go to www.ti.com.

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