Audio processor IC targets wireless applications

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Oct 27, 2003

The THAT4320S is a single-chip analogue engine optimised for low-voltage low-power operation.

The THAT4320S is a single-chip analogue engine optimised for low-voltage, low-power operation.

It incorporates a high-performance voltage controlled amplifier (VCA), an RMS-level sensor and four op amps.

The surface-mount part is aimed at battery-operated audio applications like wireless microphones, wireless instruments and personal monitors.

It operates down to +4.5V DC, drawing only 3.7mA.

It offers improved performance and value over THAT's own 4311 low-voltage dynamics processor.

The 4320 operates on a single supply up to 15V DC, making it useful in line- as well as battery-operated products.

The VCA is pretrimmed at wafer stage to deliver low distortion without further adjustment.

And one op amp is quiet enough to be used as a microphone preamp.

Gary Hebert, THAT's Chief Technical Officer comments: "What really sets this IC apart is the transparent sound of its Blackmer VCA coupled with its accurate, wide-range true-RMS level detector.

The 4320 is useful in battery-powered mixers, compressor/limiters, ENG devices and other portable audio products.

This is a highly integrated IC - it even contains an onboard PTAT reference to generate thermally compensated control voltages for thresholds and gain settings".

Priced at $5.33 in 1000-off quantities, and packaged in a 28-pin QSOP, the THAT4320 is economical in cost and PCB real estate and is available from Profusion, the European distributor of THAT Corp's audio IC range.