Class-D audio driver IP targets advanced SoCs in portables

Lisbon, Portugal - Chipidea, the Analog Business Group of MIPS Technologies, has introduced Class-D audio driver IP specifically designed for SoC devices manufactured in process nodes down to 65 nm. According to the company, the IP will help designers integrate the required audio features into portable applications such as MP3 players, smart phones, handheld GPS systems and others while still addressing continued demands for extended battery life.

The analog/mixed-signal IP addresses the increasing market for Class-D amplifiers, which, according to research firm Gartner Group, is expected to show a compound annual growth rate of 15.6% from 2006 to 2011, rising from $334 million to $688 million. That growth is expected to come mostly from increased use of Class-D amplifiers in portable and space-constrained applications, where advanced SoC designs are likely to play an increasing role.

"Depending on their integration challenges, customers can implement the IP as a standalone function or as part of an audio subsystem that can be integrated into a stereo DAC or a complete stereo audio codec," said Joao Risques, audio product line manager of Chipidea's Audio and Power Solutions Division. "The IP is particularly well-suited for loudspeaker and headset loads, as well as line-type loads, which may ultimately serve as the basis for the next generation of Chipidea audio codecs."

The integrated two-channel stereo audio driver delivers 1 W into 4 Ω (THD < 0.1%), and 125 mW into a 16-Ω load (THD < 0.02%). Other features include digitally adjustable blanking time, inductor-free operation, and a quiescent current of 3.5 mA per channel, yielding greater than 85% power efficiency.

The Class-D audio driver IP is available at major foundries across multiple process technologies.

Chipidea Microelectronica S.A., +351 21 033 63 00, www.chipidea.com