Designed for Next-Generation Multimedia PCs, Stereo Audio DAC Is Fully Compliant With Universal Serial Bus Specification; Provides Complete Digital Audio Playback Solution.

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 20, 1998--

Single-Chip Digital Device Integrates USB-Compliant Transceiver;

Ends Audio Configuration Conflicts With Plug-and-Play Operation;

Supports Legacy Analog Technology During Transition

A stereo audio digital-to-analog converter (DAC) designed for next-generation multimedia PCs is available now from Dallas Semiconductor (NYSE:DS).

Fully compliant with the Universal Serial Bus (USB) specification, the DS4201 USB Audio DAC is a complete, easy-to-use solution for USB digital audio playback.

USB is a new bus specification that makes it easy for consumers to connect personal computers and external peripherals. A true plug- and-play bus for external peripherals, the USB specification eliminates common problems such as configuration conflicts and shortages of expansion ports and other system resources.

"USB enables revolutionary PC audio, and the DS4201 is an ideal solution for high-quality digital audio and control in the speaker or monitor enclosures of USB-enabled PCs," said Scott Jones, Dallas Semiconductor product manager.

One of the first USB audio devices available, the DS4201 complies fully with Version 1.0 of the USB specification and Version 1.0 of the USB Device Class Definition for Audio Devices. The chip, available in a 28-pin DIP and 44-pin QFP, integrates a USB function core, a full- speed USB transceiver, a stereo 16-bit sigma-delta digital-to-analog converter and digital signal processing.

Device Supports All-Digital Systems and Those in Transition

The DS4201 is a single-chip digital audio product designed specifically for USB digital audio implementations, yet an on-chip analog mixer also supports legacy analog audio technology and hybrid speaker designs.

"The DS4201 provides a transition from where the industry is to where it's going. Consumers can connect a CD player, FM receiver or TV audio with analog outputs and use the latest USB digital technology," Jones said. "Analog signals still exist, and consumers won't want to make their existing equipment obsolete."

The electrically noisy environment of the CPU box degrades audio quality. With USB, the PC will be able to do the job it does well: work with digital signals. The DS4201 takes the audio out of the CPU box and puts it in the speakers and multimedia monitors, resulting in better sound.

Further, USB audio will be easier to configure than the sound cards of today. The new bus will eliminate the hard part of installing multimedia audio: setting interrupts, DMA and I/O ports, and worrying about scarce resources.

Jones said, "The bottom line will be quality audio, competitive price and the simplicity of plug and play."

Helping Designers Meet Power Budgets

A USB host system can use DS4201 power-management features to control the power consumption of the chip as well as that of external audio circuitry such as amplifiers or power supplies. The audio system can be put into a low-power standby mode when not in use.

Production quantities of the DS4201 USB Audio DAC are available now. The cost is $6.70 each in 1,000-piece quantities.

Dallas Semiconductor designs, manufactures and markets CMOS chips and chip-based subsystems. In its 14-year history, the company has sold its products to more than 14,000 customers worldwide.

Major markets include original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in personal computers, telecommunications, office equipment, instrumentation, factory automation, medical equipment and mainframe computers. Chips and subsystems are sold through a direct-sales force, distributors and manufacturer's representatives worldwide. The company's Web-site address is www.dalsemi.com.

CONTACT: Dallas Semiconductor, Dallas

Scott Jones, 972/371-4448 (readers' contact)

972/371-3715 (fax)

Syd Coppersmith, 972/371-4349 (editors' contact)