Renesas Technology to Release Compact, High-Performance R2J15116FP Digital Amplifier Supporting IIS Digital Audio Signal Input

Tokyo, November 27, 2008 —— Renesas Technology Corp. today announced the development of the R2J15116FP, a compact, high-performance digital amplifier supporting IIS *1 digital audio signal input with a built-in 24-bit audio DSP. It is intended for use in thin flat-screen TVs employing LCD or plasma display panels, and sample shipments will begin in December 2008 in Japan.

The R2J15116FP accepts IIS digital audio signal input, performs signal processing using a built-in audio DSP, and amplifies the result with a digital amplifier to deliver stereo output to two speakers at up to 15 watts per channel. Its main features are as follows.

< Product Background >

In recent years, thin flat-screen TVs, typically employing LCD or plasma display panels, have become even slimmer, and at the same time more attention is being paid to their design aesthetics. This has produced a tendency toward the use of smaller and thinner speakers that are less conspicuous when viewed from the front than the types previously used, which extended out prominently from the sides. This has made it more difficult to achieve the same sense of audio volume and presence. On the other hand, larger screen sizes are heightening demand for excellent sound quality. As a result, audio compensation through the use of signal processing has become essential.

Renesas Technology has developed the R2J15116FP, a digital amplifier incorporating a DSP for audio compensation and audio tuning, in response to this demand. It enables the system more efficiently to perform detailed audio tuning of individual product models to match different markets and design characteristics, a task that previously was performed by the main DSP.

The R2J15116FP is Renesas Technology's first digital amplifier designed for digital input. As its input format it supports IIS digital audio signals, the signal format typically output by the DSP in the stage preceding the R2J15116FP, thereby allowing direct connection. The integrated 24-bit audio DSP benefits from the experience and technology accumulated over Renesas Technology's extensive track record of mass producing widely used digital amplifiers designed for a variety of types of analog input. It delivers high-performance audio signal processing and fine-grained audio tuning functionality. The integration of the audio DSP into the same package as the digital amplifier reduces the mounting area and contributes to more compact system size overall.

< Product Details >

The R2J15116FP digital amplifier for digital input with integrated audio DSP supports digital input in IIS format. The audio signal processing block implements the following compensation functions for audio tuning:

• In addition to the volume control and seven-band parametric equalizer for adjusting speaker frequency characteristics, which are described in the list of features, there is a two-band tone control, a loudness function useful for low- and high-range expansion compensation, a power limiter function that allows setting of a user-defined maximum output level, and a dynamic range control (DRC) function that lowers the signal amplitude without distortion at high volume levels and raises it at low volume levels. Settings for all of these functions can be made flexibly from the MCU via the I 2C bus.

The R2J15116FP also implements Renesas Technology's exclusive intelligent volume function (mentioned in the list of features) for improved sound quality. It suppresses amplification of noise components based on the power supply voltage fluctuation ratio, known as the power supply rejection ratio (PSRR), reduces wavering in the volume level, and reduces the distortion ratio, which is important for good sound quality.

As for the necessary level of amplifier performance, the R2J15116FP inherits the performance of previous generations of Renesas Technology products designed for analog input. It delivers low distortion, a high S/N ratio, and a high damping factor. The specifications for all electrical characteristics that affect sound quality are good. Furthermore, the high-performance feedback circuit mentioned in the list of features assures stable output even when the power supply voltage fluctuates, maintains high power amplifier efficiency, and provides ample protection (as mentioned in the list of features). The R2J15116FP uses a compact 48-pin HTQFP package, requires no heat sink, and delivers maximum stereo output of 15 watts per channel.

Renesas Technology plans to extend its product lineup by releasing additional digital amplifiers that accept digital input and varying the list of functions incorporated in the audio DSP, in response to demand for audio signal processing capabilities for thin flat-screen TVs and similar products.

< Notes >

* Product names, company names, or brands mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

< Typical Applications >

• Video equipment: LCD TVs, Plasma TVs, PC monitors, etc.

< Prices in Japan > *For Reference

< Specifications >

*** Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice. ***

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