6-channel digitasl amplifier IC boosts digital multimedia market

For high-end audio systems, you need a DDC (digital-to-digital converter) amplifier to maintain the quality of audio digital signals. Pulsus Technologies, which launched a 2-channel DDC chip in 2000, has now developed a 6-channel DDC chip with expanded capabilities.

The PS9702B DDC is a highly integrated SoC solution for multi-channel A/V systems. The device is a 6-channel PCM to PWM modulator with a sample rate converter and pre-amplifier functions.It features one or two serial input ports for 6-channel systems, and three serial input ports for 2-channel systems.

The SPDIF (Sony/Philips digital interface) receiver is for 2-channel non-encoded PCM input. The chip supports 16-, 18-, 20-, and 24-bit input, with 40-, 80-, and 120-W output, and input sample rates of 32 to 192 kHz. In this way the device serves all amplifier functions, while competing systems require two or three chips for a 6-channel amplifier. The chip includes an audio DSP that provides equalizing, volume control, bass management, and compression. A unique function of the chip is that it enables software control of sound-mix, balance, woofer sound, sound quality and sound volume. The device is packaged in a 100-pin QFP, and priced from US$6.

The PS9702B DDC improves sound quality and efficiency in multi-channel A/V systems.

The company recently announced that its 6-channel, 23-bit DDC amplifier IC has been built into Taekwang’s new audio home theater system. “We expect the demand for DDC chips will be explosive in the DVD home theater system field,” says marketing director Oh-keuk Kwon, who bases his optimism on his company’s research into the needs of world A/V system makers last year. A major PC speaker maker in Singapore and a DVD manufacturer in China are currently developing digital 5.1-channel amplifier systems using Pulsus’s DDC IC, the company says.

“A so-called top high-end analog amplifier cannot offer over 30% energy efficiency, while the DDC has 90%,” says Sang-jin Park, director of Pulsus’ research lab. Another advantage of the digital amplifier, he explains, is that it doesn’t require the cooling space needed by analog systems, reducing its size by 20%.


Pulsus Technologies
Fax (82) 2-3461-4469
www.pulsus.co.kr