Audio codec is multi-channel-compliant

Electronics Times, Jan 18, 1999

The CS4294 is the latest member of Cirrus Logic's Crystal mixed-signal AC 97 audio codec family, and is targeted at the multi-channel sound card and set-top box markets.

The four-channel device combines two A/D channels, stereo mixing for three stereo inputs, a microphone pre-amp and mono microphone input with four 18bit D/A channels. It has been designed to be coupled with Crystal's recently introduced DSP-based PCI audio accelerators to create a fully featured PCI audio solution for the desktop and add-in card markets.

Using the chip, PC users can surround themselves with at least four and as many as eight speakers to create a realistic reproduction. All the solutions produced meet Microsoft's PC98 and Intel's AC 97 requirements and provide compatibility for legacy games.

Because these solutions are all optimised to meet PC98 requirements, they can streamline system testing in Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs certification program.

When combined with Cirrus Logic's Crystal PCI audio accelerators and driver support, the CS4294 can produce accurate 3D-positional sound and Dolby AC-3 under Microsoft's DirectSound, DirectSound 3D and ActiveMovie. Each device comes in a 48pin TQFP package.

Cirrus has also just licensed Central Research Labs' Sensaura 3D positional audio technology for use in its Crystal PC audio products. This will allow Crystal audio devices to provide 3D positional audio from two speakers, and will support more than 130 games.

Cirrus Logic
Tel: +1 512 912 3587
Fax: +1 512 462 2723
Enquiry Number 510