1998-09-08 , E/IC-1025/54
Product News From Philips Semiconductors

Philips Semiconductors, the largest European semiconductor manufacturer, has introduced a unique space-saving stereo power amplifier IC for use in battery powered equipment such as personal stereos, notebook PCs, active loudspeakers, electronic games, toys and musical instruments - in fact any application that requires stereo sound at power levels up to 1.4 W into an 8 ohm loudspeaker load. In addition to delivering these stereo outputs from a single 5 V supply, the TDA8552 features an 80dB digital volume control that only requires the addition of two push-button switches or a rocker switch to provide full up/down volume control. An auto-repeat function allows the volume to be ramped up or down by holding the appropriate switch closed. Other features of the TDA8552 include headphone sensing circuitry that automatically mutes the loudspeaker outputs when headphones are being used, a low-power standby mode and excellent immunity to RF interference.

"Because of its extremely low external component count, the TDA8552 represents one of the most compact and versatile solutions to stereo audio processing on the market," commented product marketing manager Wladimir Punt.

Although the TDA8552's push-button controlled single-pin digital volume control allows it to be used stand-alone in many applications, it can just as easily be driven from the digital I/O port of a microcontroller. A second control input allows the TDA8552 to be muted, or placed into a low-power standby mode that reduces current consumption to 1 µA (typical) while retaining the last volume control setting for re-use when the amplifier is re-activated.

Total harmonic distortion typically better than 0.1 % at 0.5 W output, more than 50 dB rejection of supply rail ripple, and freedom from switch-on/switch-off noise, all contribute to excellent audio quality. Short-circuit proof outputs, plus built-in electrostatic discharge protection and thermal overload protection ensure exceptional reliability. The TDA8552's excellent EMC performance means that little or no shielding is required, even when it is used inside RF equipment.

Volume deliveries of the TDA8552, in either a 20-lead small outline (SO) or shrink small-outline (SSOP) surface-mount package are available now. In very high volume the TDA8552 sells for around US$ 0.90.

Philips Semiconductors, a division of Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the ninth largest semiconductor supplier in the world. Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video, and mobile technology position the company as a leader in the consumer, multimedia and wireless communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by regional customer application labs.