Cirrus Logic Launches Advanced, Cost-Effective Audio Digital-to-Analog Converter Solution; 120 dB DAC Supports Super Audio CD & DVD-Audio Content

Business Wire, March 24, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Audio Engineering Society Convention

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AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 2003

Targeting high-end consumer and professional audio applications, Cirrus Logic Inc. (Nasdaq:CRUS) has introduced one of the industry's highest-performing, cost-effective digital-to-analog converters (DACs), the CS4398, which heightens analog performance and defines a new standard for sound quality.

An extensive feature set and unrivaled price/performance make the CS4398 an ideal solution for a variety of professional and consumer audio applications such as DVD players featuring Super Audio CD (SACD) and DVD-Audio support, digital mixing consoles, audio/video receivers, outboard converter systems and effects processors.

The CS4398 stereo DAC utilizes an advanced, proprietary multi-bit, Delta-Sigma modulator with integrated mismatch noise shaping technology to provide a closed-loop architecture, eliminating the need for dynamic element matching while ensuring premium sound quality by removing any potential audible artifacts. For SACD applications, the CS4398 includes a patent-pending Direct Stream Digital processor that includes a volume control engine that does not decimate the data stream, thereby maintaining the native sampling rate of 2.8224 MHz and preserving the integrity of the SACD data format. Also included is an on-chip 50 kHz filter that complies with recommendations in the SACD standards. Cirrus' techniques for providing SACD volume control and filtering offer manufacturers the ability to add SACD at no additional cost in the analog section of their products.

"The CS4398 is ideally designed for high-end audio systems where overall superior quality and reduced systems costs are at a premium," said Jason Rhode, director of Marketing, Mixed-Signal Products, Cirrus. "The CS4398 is the latest in a series of strong mixed-signal products from Cirrus Logic that positions us at the forefront of the industry in offering a wide portfolio of solutions that offer tremendous price and performance value."

The CS4398 provides transparent audio conversion, achieving 120dB dynamic range and 0.0005 percent THD N. Support for 24-bit conversion, sample rates up to 192 kHz (DVD-Audio) and DSD data (SACD) make the CS4398 ready for next-generation audio formats. Selectable digital filter response with extremely low-group delay, integrated level shifters for direct interface to logic levels from 1.8V to 5V, operation from a 5V power supply and a differential analog output architecture are packaged in a low-profile 28-pin TSSOP package, making the CS4398 an ideal DAC for high-performance audio products.

Pricing and Availability

The CS4398 is currently in sample production and is priced at $4.32 in 10,000 quantities.

About Cirrus Logic

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high-performance analog, mixed-signal and digital processing solutions for consumer entertainment electronics, automotive entertainment and industrial product applications. Building on its global market leadership in audio ICs and its rich mixed-signal patent portfolio, Cirrus Logic targets audio, video and precision mixed-signal applications in these growing markets. The Company operates from headquarters in Austin, Texas with offices in California, Colorado, Europe, Japan and Asia. More information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com

Cirrus Logic is a trademark of Cirrus Logic Inc. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.

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