AKM Announces New Low-Power 32-Bit Stereo DAC with 32% Smaller Footprint

November 22 2023, 01:10
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has started mass production of the AK4333ECB, a 32-bit stereo audio D/A converter (DAC) with built-in headphone amplifier. While the mounting area has been significantly reduced by 32% compared to AKM's previous products, it features Velvet Sound technology for high sound quality. The new low power DAC was developed to enhance mobile and portable wireless designs, such as wireless headphones and VR/AR headsets.
 

According to AKM, the AK4333ECB is an advanced 32-bit high sound quality stereo audio DAC featuring four types of 32-bit digital filters for better sound quality, achieving low distortion characteristics and wide dynamic range. The built-in ground-referenced headphone amplifier has impedance detection, allowing volume adjustment corresponding to the headphone impedance to deliver optimal sound quality. Performance specifications detail characteristics such as -100dB THD+N at a load of 32 ohm with 6.4mW low power consumption, being able to deliver 109dB S/N with 25mW output power.

The AK4333ECB is available in a 24-pin CSP package, utilizing less board space than competitive offerings. The mounting area including external components is much smaller than AKM's conventional AK4331 alternative. Furthermore, when I²C is not used, the Parallel Mode Control function reduces the number of wires. This makes it easier to separate the DAC from the main board, thus increasing the flexibility of the layout inside the chassis.
 

Even with the compact size and low power restrictions, the AKM engineers have been able to equip the new DAC with Velvet Sound technology, in order to deliver the high-quality sound performance required from premium, high-end audio products, with suitable specifications for portable designs. Potential application targets include VR/XR headsets, AR glasses (sunglass-type display), wireless headphones, portable music players, audiobook playing devices, and portable gaming devices.
www.akm.com
 

 
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