Audio SoCs target DTV, MP3 docking stations

Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) has announced the newest additions to its line of audio processors—the TAS3208 and TAS3204. These devices provide the DTV and MP3 player docking station markets with cost-effective integrated audio solutions and easy-to-use development tools. The TAS3208 is designed to be the core device in flat-panel DTV audio systems, and the TAS3204 is optimized to provide high-quality sound processing for MP3 player docking stations.

"With these emerging markets, our single-chip audio processors have to fit into a sliver of space and yet generate sound that will fill the room," said Cecelia Smith, general manager of the mixed signal audio/video group at TI. "These new audio processors offer tremendous performance, analog integration, control and application-specific sound enhancements at a very low price point."

Audio DSPs
The TAS3208 and TAS3204 are audio-specific DSPs integrated with high-performance analog data converters intended to provide a complete SoC audio solution. The 135MHz digital core is capable of five simultaneous operations per cycle. Both devices have a 48bit data path with a 140dB dynamic range and a unique single-cycle 76bit accumulator, ensuring more than sufficient precision and processing power for the most demanding audio applications, the company said. An on-chip MCU optimizes the system performance by handling the control and communication interface and other basic processing requirements.

To help reduce overall system cost, these devices are capable of acting as adjustable frequency master clock sources. They support an extensive portfolio of pre-programmed basic audio functions and advanced audio algorithms for the fastest possible time-to-market, the company said, plus they offer the flexibility of complete customization. These devices are able to provide product differentiation with high quality audio processing at a low system cost.

Enhanced listening experience
The powerful embedded signal processing capability of the TAS3208 and TAS3204 enables them to enhance the audio response of low-cost speakers and acoustical enclosures by enabling custom digital equalization and dynamic signal processing. To further heighten the listening experience, they fully support third-party virtual surround and 3-D expansion algorithms, such as Dolby and SRS, as well as a number of license-free TI algorithms. These devices are fully programmable, enabling the implementation of customized algorithms. Multiple digital I/O channels, delay memory and a host of other features ensure these audio processors are flexible enough to meet the needs of a variety of audio applications.

Currently in production, the TAS3208 is priced at $5.53 each and the TAS3204 is priced at $5.28 each, both in quantities of 10,000 or more. Evaluation modules and code development tools are also are available.