(1) WOLFSON MICROELECTRONICS Codec integrates Class-D speaker driver eeProductCenter's Bettyann Liotta says: " Expect to see an avalanche of new devices coming out of Wolfson over the next few months. The company kicked off the latest product wave at the Consumer Electronics Show in January with the WM8985 -- a codec that is dynamically switchable between Class AB and Class D." Readers say: » "Low power.'' » "Although I am not involved in the audio industry, I am an audiophile and found the article very interesting.'' » "Seems to me the WM8960 is a low power, high quality stereo codec designed for portable digital audio applications.'' » "Would probably like to evaluate this product.'' » "PRICE IS TOO HIGH.'' » "Many audio µc systems have the codec built-in. This device seems most applicable to high end systems where parts count is less critical. I would think it is most useful in audio-video entertainment systems, laptops etc. Have you looked to medical hearing analysis systems?'' » "Low power is key. This should really take a bite out of the BOM for many phones supporting consumer quality audio.'' » "Any plans for an eval board?'' » "It's a superior product.'' » "Significant advantage in hands-free mobile phone use.'' » "Neato'' » "Low power consumption and versatility make this interesting!'' » "A great add-on to DSP applications where monitor circuits required separate followers.'' » "Pricing and performance... what a great delivery.'' » "Great for the Audio industry.'' » "Power consumption in portable devices is always a problem. Anything that can save power is interesting.'' » "Low price and highly flexible input configuration are really good features.'' » "Sounds like a very useful device for extending battery life in handheld devices.'' » "I am impressed by the amount of power it delivers and its features for its size.'' » "What is the longevity of the speaker driver Class-D?'' USABILITY RANK: 1
(2) ATMEL 12-bit A/D delivers 500 Msamples/s eeProductCenter's Bettyann Liotta says: " Atmel Corp. kicked off a new high-resolution family with a monolithic, 12-bit, analog-to-digital (A/D) converter boasting a clock frequency of 500 Msamples/s.
Applications for the AT84AS001TP A/D converter include telecommunications infrastructure, high intermediate frequency (IF) broadband digital receivers, test and measurement equipment, high-speed data acquisition, and defense radar and communications systems. " Readers say: » "Great leap forward.''
» "Seems really expensive!''
» "Multigig will be announcing a 10 bit (enob 9.8) 1Gsample/s ADC w/ 400mW power dissipation.''
» "High speed A/D is critical to nuclear physics research.''
USABILITY RANK: 2
(3) CIRRUS LOGIC Digitally-controlled analog volume ICs broaden dynamic range eeProductCenter's Bettyann Liotta says: " This analog volume control IC duo is supposed to provide superior audio quality and design simplicity.
Cirrus has been shipping a stereo analog volume control chip (CS3310) for over 12 years. In terms of performance, Cirrus' CS3318 can achieve a significantly higher dynamic range at 127 dB compared to the older CS3310 at 116 dB. " Readers say: » "Nice part.''
» "I would need to listen to the device in a circuit before I commited to its use.''
USABILITY RANK: 4
(4) NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR Op amp operates up to 24 volts eeProductCenter's Bettyann Liotta says: " National Semiconductor Corp. unveiled a rail-to-rail output CMOS operational amplifier (op amp) today with a wide operating range (up to 24 volts) that is said to meet the noise, power and low-input bias requirements of industrial and telecommunications applications.
The LM6211 op amp is a 20-MHz wide-bandwidth, low-noise operational amplifier with a single supply-voltage range of 5 V to 24 V and a 0.5-picoamp low input bias current for interfacing with high impedance sources. " Readers say: » "Glad to see more high voltage stuff.''
» "Wow, nice.''
USABILITY RANK: 3
(5) INTERSIL 1-GHz multiplexers handle high resolution signals eeProductCenter's Bettyann Liotta says: " Intersil claims that while single-channel 2:1 and 4:1 multiplexers are plentiful, there are very few triple 2:1 multiplexers, and there are no other triple 4:1 multiplexers. Furthermore, there are no 2:1 and 4:1 triple multiplexers at this bandwidth (1 GHz), which is what really makes them special." Readers say: » "Great speed and BW but poor distortion.''
USABILITY RANK: 5
(6) TECHWELL Video decoders target security surveillance apps eeProductCenter's Bettyann Liotta says: " This product trio is said to represent the first end-to-end semiconductor solution in the security surveillance market ? combining audio A/D converters with MJPEG compression. The chips were developed in response to demand for crystal sharp images in security applications." USABILITY RANK: 10
(7) ANALOG DEVICES Dual-channel in-amp drives differentially eeProductCenter's Bettyann Liotta says: " Shortly after ADI started shipping its single in-amp in 2003 (AD2221), customers began asking them how to wire up two of these devices to create differential outputs. ADI claims the AD8222 is the first in-amp with specified differential output performance. This is achieved by wiring the dual channel in-amp into a single in-amp with a differential output." USABILITY RANK: 8
(8) TEXAS INSTRUMENTS Class D amplifiers for automotive generate less heat eeProductCenter's Bettyann Liotta says: " Digital amplifiers have taken off in the last five years as evidenced by TI's success with its PurePath digital audio amplifier products for the home, said Ryan Reynolds, TI's business development manager for the digital audio car group. "Our customers have been asking for PurePath quality digital amplifier for the automotive space as well, so that's what we gave them," he said. Until now, there hasn't been a digital amplifier that was made specifically for automotive audio applications, according to Reynolds." Readers say: » "It looks like a good product.''
USABILITY RANK: 9
(9) MAXIM Current-sink D/A converter measures 3 x 3-mm eeProductCenter's Bettyann Liotta says: " While current output D/A converters, which are essentially unbuffered, appear to be plentiful, buffered current sink D/A converters like Maxim's MAX5547 for laser drivers aren't." Readers say: » "I could use this.''
USABILITY RANK: 6
(10) STMICROELECTRONICS Amps drive video signals close to zero volts eeProductCenter's BettyAnn Liotta says: "STMicroelectronics Inc. introduced two single-supply, 300-MHz amplifiers that were designed to drive high-definition signals on 75-ohm video lines at close to zero volts ? in high-end industrial and medical imaging systems, and in HDTV-enabled set-top boxes and DVD players.
The TSH340 and TSH341 video amplifiers feature operation on a single 3-volt to 5-V single power supply. " Readers say: » "Nice parts.''
USABILITY RANK: 7
