Audio/video multimedia ICs

As multimedia technology becomes ever more pervasive, audio and video ICs, such as video amplifiers, encoders/decoders, display drivers, and video switches and audio processors, are offering increasing features and integration. Here is a sampling of a variety of new and recent audio/video multimedia ICs.

The MAX9516 video amplifier from Maxim Integrated Products (www.maxim-ic.com) has a built-in load detect feature that intelligently detects and reports the change of video output load status. It automatically changes its operating mode and adjusts its power consumption based on the video-output load status.

Operating at the 1.8-V single power supply, the amplifier only consumes 6-mW quiescent power and 12-mW average power. Additional features include a video reconstruction filter with 8-MHz passband, dc-coupled input/output, and transparent input sync-tip clamp.

NXP Semiconductor (www.nxp.com) offers the TV543 single-chip LCD TV solution which is claimed to deliver ground-breaking HDTV picture quality for advanced H.264 broadcast and MPEG-4 internet content. The TV543 platform, featuring the PNX8543x processor, allows TV manufacturers to boost picture quality for both analog and digital reception, while allowing viewers to access internet and digital video content all from the comfort of the living room. In addition, its innovative software architecture allows the use of leading third-party software components for advanced functionalities such as personal video recorders or DLNA-certified devices.

STMicroelectronic’s (www.st.com) mobile application processor , the Nomadik STn8820, integrates AMD’s innovative graphics technology to enable visually rich 2-D and 3-D applications on mobile handsets. The combination of Nomadik and AMD graphics technology considerably improves image quality while delivering industry-leading battery life.

NXP’s TV543 LCD TV solution

The platform opens new possibilities for mobile devices with game console-quality graphics. Content developers get powerful tools and optimized middleware for the development of 3-D games, realistic maps, and other graphics-intensive mobile applications.

Analog Devices (www.analog.com) has expanded its Advantiv advanced television portfolio with a 12-bit resolution ADV7802 3-D comb video decoder that has an integrated 150-Msample/s digitizer for full-HD 1080p input formats. The decoder provides system designers with a complete single-chip solution for improving video image and color quality in advanced HDTVs, video-processors, AVR systems, and DVD recorders.

Analog Devices 3-D comb video decoder

Ideal for dual-axis image stabilization as well as autofocus and zoom motor control for digital still and video cameras, the LT3572 dual full-bridge piezo driver from Linear Technology (www.linear.com) can drive two piezo motors at up to 40 V. Each piezo driver and the boost converter can be independently turned on or off.

Linear Technology’s LT3572 piezo driver

Its 2.7 to 10-V input voltage accommodates both single-cell and dual-cell Li-ion-powered digital cameras. Housed in a 20-lead QFN package, the part offers a programmable switching frequency between 500 kHz and 2.25 MHz, a PGOOD pin, and an integrated 900-mA boost converter that can deliver up to 50 mA of output current at 30 V from a Li-ion input.

The AS3532 music player subsystem from austriamicrosystems (www.austriamicrosystems.com) has a core based on a newly developed audio engine and audio post-processor that act as coprocessors to an ARM central programmable unit. The audio postprocessor implements an asynchronous sample rate converter (ASRC) with near-transparent quality, a multichannel mixer with limiting function and a 10-bands graphics equalizer and supports 192-kHz sample rates at 24 bits of dynamic range.

The AS3532 music player IC from austriamicrosystems

Three sets of I2 S outputs can independently control stereo speakers, subwoofer and headphone or line outputs. The chip also features a stereo PDM digital microphone input, 512-Kbyte buffer memory, and direct support for latest generation removable and embedded flash memory types with 4/8/16-bit hardware ECC, for MLC NAND Flash, iNAND, LBA NAND, moviNAND, oneNAND and removable card formats like SD2.0, MMC+, CE-ATA, MS PRO, and CF.

Offered by National Semiconductor (www.national.com) to provide the industry’s lowest noise, the LME49600 high-fidelity buffer produces the necessary output current to drive multiple low-impedance headphones and the voltage swing to drive several high-impedance headphones. It accurately reproduces high-dynamic input signals without adding distortion. Delivering 180-MHz bandwidth and a slew rate of 2,000 V/μs, the device has a 2.6-nV/√Hz input-referred voltage noise density.

National Semiconductor’s LME49600 high-fidelity buffer

Texas Instruments (www.ti.com) offers the 2-Vrms DirectPath DRV601 audio line driver for home entertainment applications. Features include a supply range from 1.8 to 4.5 V, 105-dB dynamic range, a 2-Vrms/channel output voltage into a 600-Ω at 3.3 V, pop reduction circuitry, and independent right- and left-channel shutdown control.

Christina Nickolas