Search

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug 23, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Leadis Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:LDIS) today unveiled a family of audio CODECs using it's Gmax(TM) amplifier technology, which dramatically increases power efficiency, maintains best-in-class SNR, and substantially extends battery life in portable audio applications. Well suited for smart mobile phone, PMP (portable media player), portable gaming, GPS, and DSC (digital still camera) products, the LDS9350 and LDS9302L are sampling now and will begin shipping in volume in Q4-2007.

"Our Gmax(TM)-enabled CODECs need only 4mW of power for quiescent playback," said Tim Massey, V.P. and General Manager of the Leadis Audio Business Unit. "More importantly, the Gmax(TM) amplifier technology really shines when comparing the power consumption at average listening levels - something few chip manufactures are willing to specify. We specify power consumption at average listening levels to provide a real world estimate of battery life and to demonstrate the significant power saving capability of the Gmax(TM) amplifier technology. This translates to 50% lower system power consumption at typical listening levels and doubles the battery life of high fidelity audio playback."

Commenting on his company's selection of the LDS9350 chip to power its newest portable media players, Jack Lau, CEO of Perception Digital, said "We wanted to take advantage of Gmax(TM) power savings and the excellent audio quality in Leadis' line of audio CODECs. Moreover, the integrated FM transmitter allows us to offer our customers a highly desirable aftermarket feature at a lower incremental cost."

The LDS9350 integrates a low power and low noise stereo CODEC, a highly efficient Gmax(TM) stereo headphone amplifier, an integrated stereo FM transmitter, and a DC-DC converter in a single compact solution. Well suited for portable audio applications, the LDS9350's features include:

    CODEC and Headphone Amplifier
    The 3.3V 2-channel 24-bit DAC exceeds portable audio noise
     requirements with an SNR of up to 102dB and can operate with
     sampling rates between 8 - 192ksps. The CODEC has multiple analog
     inputs including stereo microphone, stereo line, and a fully
     differential mono microphone. Other features include programmable
     gain, line and microphone inputs, microphone bias, and a low-
     power analog bypass mode. The chip also features high fidelity
     audio outputs to either stereo headphones or to a stereo FM radio
     via the FM transmitter. Design innovations dramatically reduce
     system parts count and BOM cost while providing programmable
     control features for optimal audio quality.

    FM Transmitter
    The LDS9350 provides an FM transmitter function with no additional
     external components. FM radio bands are selectable for worldwide
     operation: 87.5 to 108MHz for US and Europe, and 76 to 90MHz for
     Japan. Pre-emphasis and transmit power levels are programmable to
     meet country-specific regulatory standards. Advanced radio
     techniques deliver professional FM broadcast audio quality. Audio
     to the transmitter can be digital via I2S or analog via line-in
     and stereo microphone inputs. Chip operation is conveniently
     controlled through an I2C or a 3-wire microprocessor interface.

    DC-DC Converter
    The LDS9350's highly integrated architecture includes an on-chip
     DC-DC converter which can be configured as a voltage booster or
     divider to generate system voltages and eliminate the need for
     external voltage regulators. The LDS9350 can be powered from a
     single supply and still maintain very low power consumption. In
     addition, the flexible clock PLL accepts and generates many
     standard audio frequencies, eliminating the need for multiple
     crystals.

The LDS9302L includes the Gmax(TM) headphone amps and provides all the same CODEC functionality and performance as the LDS9350 but without the on-chip FM transmitter. In addition, the LDS9302L requires only a single 1.8V power supply which is important for applications with lower supply voltage.

Price, Packaging and Availability

The LDS9350 and LDS9302L are sampling now and will be in volume production in Q4-2007. Both are packaged in a standard 40-pin 6x6 QFN package. Single-unit pricing for 1,000-piece purchases is $3.85 for the LDS9350 and $2.75 for the LDS9302L. An immediately available turnkey evaluation module includes a PC-based interface for easier programming and reducing time to market.