MITSUBISHI UNVEILS VOLUME EMBEDDED SOUND CONTROLLER CHIP.

The Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif., has introduced the M61516FP, the industry's first 8-channel electronic volume embedded sound controller chip. The new device addresses the growing demand for multi-channel systems with increased input selectors, improved tone controls, and multi-surround capability in all consumer-grade AV systems.

Addressing end-user demand for more audio sources, the M61516FP sound controller has 10 L-R standard inputs and eight secondary inputs, enabling the user to switch inputs between applications. It is designed to handle entire audio switching and volume control systems for advanced 8-channel home-theater receivers, or systems that require many audio input sources.

The M61516FP is a single-chip controller with 8 channels of embedded volume control for use in new 8-channel (7.1-channel) surround systems. Secondary inputs can be used for internal multi-channel decoders and external sources such as DVD players.

"Driven by consumer demand, manufacturers are looking to integrate more capability into one central unit and improve audio quality and control," said George Riehm, senior marketing manager for consumer products at Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. "With Mitsubishi Electric's new 8-channel sound controller, we add two additional channels that offer the flexibility consumers have been striving for, while at the same time exceeding the quality level they expect from their AV systems."

The M61516FP sound controller additionally features an 8-channel independent electronic volume control with high-voltage transistors and a built-in zero-crossing detector circuit for reduced click noise when changing volume value. It offers a built-in balance output for an analog-to-digital converter, a built-in center-tap-type loudness circuit, and two-band tone controls in the front-left and front-right channels. In addition, the chip features four system-record outputs with the mute function included. Using a highly tolerant process, the M61516FP sound controller is compatible with a +/- 7-volt power supply.

Packaging, Availability, and Pricing

The M61516FP sound controller is available in an 80-pin quad flat pack (QFP) package with a 0.8-mm pitch. Samples are now available, with volume production scheduled for February 2002. Pricing is $6.70 each in sample quantities.

M61516FP Specifications

-- Volume control range: 0 to -92 dB (1-dB steps), -95 dB, negative infinity

-- Maximum output voltage: 4.2 Vrms (1kHz/THD=1%)

-- Complete harmonics elliptical ratio: 0.005% (30kHz LPF, Vi=0.3Vrms)

-- Residual Noise: 1.7 uVrms (JIS-A, Rg = 0 ohms, tone output selector = bypass, volume = negative infinity)

-- Bass: -10 to +10 dB (2-dB steps)

-- Treble: -10 to +10 dB (2-dB steps)

-- Power-supply voltage: Analog: +/- 4.5 to +/- 7.5V Digital: +4.5 to +5.5V

About Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.

Ranked among the top-tier worldwide semiconductor suppliers, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a leading manufacturer of application-specific standard products (ASSPs) for motor driver, TV, VCR, fax, disk drive, telephone, communications, and audio/video system applications, as well as standard linear and digital/analog interface ICs. Mitsubishi Electric's ASSPs are manufactured with extensive feature sets that meet specific application requirements and use a standard-cell design approach to reduce chip size, costs, and product development time. The company implements its ASSPs as standard ICs for multiple customers and maps them to singular or multiple applications.

Mitsubishi Electric offers an extensive range of semiconductor-based products and markets them to the North American marketplace through the Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.

For more information, visit http://www.mitsubishichips.com or call 408/774-3191.