Analog companion IC joins power management, audio interface

The AT73C209 integrates power management and high-quality audio circuitry on a single chip. It has two LDOs and one very low-input voltage and high-efficiency step-up switching regulator (DC/DC) working down to 0.9V, thus particularly suited for 1-cell Alkaline/NiMh batteries. On the audio side, the AT73C209 offers an audio-quality 16bit stereo audio DAC with headset driver and microphone preamplifier to interface with the recording stage of an MCU.

"The AT73C209 introduction confirms Atmel's strategy to provide analog companions for generic handheld applications," commented Michele Casetta, marketing manager for Atmel's power management and analog companions (PMAAC) product line. "The AT73C209 is one of the few ICs on the market that integrates 3-channel power supplies and a high-quality audio interface for music players. The AT73C209 is the first device on the market that can be supplied with a 1-cell Alkaline/NiMh battery or USB port, with automatic switch, and manage all the rest of the system."

"The AT73C209 can minimize the BOM by reducing the component count to only three ICs: (MCU + Memory + AT73C209). In the past the system consisted of at least eight components due to the number of discrete analog devices," concluded Michele Casetta.

Atmel offers the AT73C209 in a 7mm x 7mm, 32-pin QFN package in order to satisfy portable device manufacturers' minimum space requirements and low cost. The AT73C209 is priced at $1.30 in quantities of 100,000 units. It is available mounted on a reference design board or as engineering samples.