Audio ADCs combine professional performance with portable integration

Texas Instruments PCM1860 PCM1861 PCM1862 PCM1863 PCM1864 PCM1865

TI's new multichannel devices simplify audio front-end design while reducing standby power consumption

Texas Instruments (TI) introduced a family of six high-performance audio analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). Featuring a dynamic range as high as 110 dB, the devices in the PCM1865 family integrate features typically found in portable audio codecs, while also giving designers a level of performance previously found only in single-function, professional audio ADCs.

Texas Instruments - PCM1865

Powered by a single 3.3-V supply, the PCM1865 audio ADC removes the traditional requirement for a dedicated analog 5-V rail, making smaller, more efficient products possible. Each device in the new family solves many system-level design headaches, including hum and ground noise, input-signal level sensitivity, and attenuation, all with a single device. This integration is particularly beneficial for end equipment like personal computers; sound bars; audio docks; Bluetooth® speakers; video-security systems; and automotive infotainment equipment including after-market head units, amplifiers and active noise-cancellation systems.

Key benefits of the PCM1865 family:

  • Design flexibility:
    The PCM1865 family consists of six pin-to-pin compatible devices offering two- and four-channel options, with software- and hardware-controlled variants.
     
  • High dynamic range:
    Three of the six devices in the PCM1865 family can achieve up to 110-dB performance. No other audio ADCs on the market can achieve a performance level of 110 dB with a single 3.3-V power supply.
     
  • Improves signal-to-noise ratio (SNR):
    With direct, high-voltage 2.1-VRMS support, the devices optimize audio quality and allow for a higher SNR. Additionally, the software-controlled devices' automatic clipping-suppression feature helps designers optimize input sensitivity for maximum SNR.
     
  • Reduces system complexity:
    The new audio ADCs can deliver the same performance as competing solutions while potentially eliminating as many as 20 components. The devices integrate a clock-generating phase-locked loop (PLL), programmable gain amplifier and universal front end, which supports various inputs from low-level microphones to 4.2-VRMS differential inputs. Designers can easily configure single-ended and differential inputs to cancel hum and ground noise.
     
  • Helps meet mandated low-power standby requirements:
    The integration of TI's patent-pending Energysense technology helps designers meet operating requirements set by the European Union's (EU) Ecodesign Directive. By using the on-chip secondary ADC, designers can easily set both sleep and wake-up thresholds, which can help equipment achieve the energy efficiency levels required in this EU directive.
     
  • Small size for space-constrained applications:
    Available in 7.8-mm by 4.4-mm TSSOP packages, the devices are up to 45 percent smaller than competing devices.

Tools and support to jump-start designs

Designers can start developing with the PCM1865 family through easy-to-use evaluation modules (EVMs) including the PCM1865EVM, which can be purchased in the TI store for US$149.

Support is available in the TI E2ETM Community Audio Converters forum, where engineers can search for solutions, get help, share knowledge and solve problems with fellow engineers and TI experts.

PCM1860 Evaluation Module Board
PCM1860 Evaluation Module Board.

Package, availability and pricing

Each device in the PCM1865 family comes in a 30-pin TSSOP package. Information on individual devices is located below.

Device
name
Channel
count
Control
method
Dynamic
range
Price*
EVM
PCM1860
2
Hardware
103 dB
US$1.40
US$149.00
PCM1861
2
Hardware
110 dB
US$1.75
US$149.00
PCM1862
2
I2C or SPI
103 dB
US$1.59
US$149.00
PCM1863
2
I2C or SPI
110 dB
US$1.99
US$149.00
PCM1864
4
I2C or SPI
103 dB
US$2.99
US$149.00
PCM1865
4
I2C or SPI
110 dB
US$3.99
US$149.00
*Prices listed are for 1,000-unit quantities.
You may have to register before you can post comments and get full access to forum.
EMS supplier