Atmel Introduces High-quality Stereo Audio Digital-to-Analog Converter IC With High-power Audio Power Amplifier

San Jose, California (ots/PRNewswire) -

- AT73C240 integrates 20-bit Stereo Audio DAC with 90dB dynamic
range, together with 1W Power Amplifier

Atmel(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: ATML) announced today the release
of its AT73C240 Audio Companion IC for portable multimedia
applications. Manufactured on Atmel's low-cost mainstream CMOS
process, the AT73C240 integrates an audio quality 20-bit Stereo DAC
and an up to 1W audio power amplifier. The AT73C240 is ideally suited
for portable applications where a high-quality audio interface is
required, such as new-generation mobile phones, PDAs, palmtop
computers, digital still cameras, portable multimedia devices and
music players, etc.

The AT73C240 integrates a complete high-performance stereo audio
digital-to-analog converter delivering a 90 dB dynamic range,
followed by a 32-Ohm stereo headset driver with programmable volume
control and mute function. The stereo DAC comprises a multi-bit
sigma-delta modulator with dither, continuous time analog filters and
analog output drive circuitry. The master clock is 256 or 384 times
the sampling frequency, allowing the choice of input data rate up to
50 kHz, including standard audio rates of 48, 44.1, 32, 16 and 8 kHz.
The stereo 32-Ohm headset drivers also include a mixer for a pair of
stereo inputs.

The DAC outputs can also be played back through a mixer buffer
stage to the integrated audio power amplifier. The mono buffer stage
can also receive the mixing of the stereo inputs as well as the
differential monaural auxiliary input (which can be, for example,
from a voice CODEC output driver in a mobile phone). The audio power
amplifier is a dual-mode AB class amplifier with differential output
and programmable volume control. In full power mode, it is capable of
driving an 8-Ohm loudspeaker at maximum power of 1W at 5.5V supply
and 440mW at 3.6V supply. The volume, mute, power down, de-emphasis
controls and 16-, 18-, 20-bit audio formats are digitally
programmable via a 4-wire SPI bus and the digital audio data is
provided through a multi-format I2S interface.

"We are very excited with the introduction of the AT73C240,"
commented Michele Casetta, Marketing Manager for Atmel's Power
Management and Analog Audio Companion (PMAAC) Product Line. "After
the great success of the AT73C213 audio DAC that was launched 4 years
ago, the AT73C240 answers customers' requests for a smaller package
and lower price, while keeping the high quality and the powerful
audio amplifier."

"Atmel's strategy to offer high quality analog features external
to microcontroller ICs, in order to have highest quality performance
using a lower-cost analog-optimized process, is getting increasing
success in the market. The AT73C240 can be used with Atmel's
proprietary AVR(R) microcontroller family or with its SAM and CAP(TM)
ARM(R)-based MCUs , allowing customers to get the highest audio
quality at the lowest system cost. Also, the AT73C240 is a
breakthrough solution for current and future consumer product
generations where the generic digital processing integrated circuits
are migrating below 90 nm technologies, while putting the analog
section outside to decrease system cost," concluded Michele Casetta.

Availability and Pricing

Atmel offers the AT73C240 in a 5x5mm, 32-pin QFN package in order
to satisfy portable device manufacturers' minimum space requirements.
It is available now mounted on a reference design board or as
engineering samples. Production quantities are also available, with a
reference price below $US 0.80 in large quantities.

About Atmel

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of
microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory
and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's
broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is
able to provide the electronics industry with complete system
solutions focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications,
computing and automotive markets.

(c) 2009 Atmel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Atmel(R), Atmel
logo and combinations thereof, AVR(R) and others, are registered
trademarks CAP(TM) and others are trademarks of Atmel Corporation or
its subsidiaries. ARM(R) is a registered trademark of ARM Ltd. Other
terms and product names may be trademarks of others.

Information:

Atmel's AT73C240 product information may be retrieved at:
http://www.atmel.com/products/powermanage/default.asp

Press Contacts:
Peter Bishop, Communications Manager, Atmel Rousset
Tel: (+33)-(0)-4-42-53-61-50, Email: peter.bishop@atmel.com
Helen Perlegos, Public Relations
Tel: +1-408-487-2963, Email: helen.perlegos@atmel.com

ots Originaltext: Atmel Corporation
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Peter Bishop, Communications Manager of Atmel Rousset,
(+33)-(0)4-42-53-61-50, peter.bishop@atmel.com, or Helen Perlegos,
Public Relations of Atmel Corporation, +1-408-487-2963,
helen.perlegos@atmel.com