June 25, 2004

By: Dan Wright
Website: http://www.booming-car-audio.com

Mitsubishi's Audio Signal Processor Integrates Full Range of Car Audio Sound Controls into Compact 36-Pin Package

Mitsubishi Electronics America's Electronic Device Group today announced it is sampling the M61508FP audio signal processor, which uses switched capacitor filter technology.

The device integrates a full range of car audio sound controls -- including sound and volume controls -- into a compact 36-pin package, reducing the number of additional board-level peripheral components by 60 percent and the pincount of previous-generation devices by 30 percent.

It also reduces audio system noise through its innovative zero crossing detection circuit and master volume control circuit design.

As competitive pressures force car audio entertainment systems to fit into smaller form factors and become more complex, it is necessary for audio system manufacturers to cost-effectively integrate more features into a smaller space, said George Riehm, senior product marketing manager at Mitsubishi Electronics America.

Mitsubishi has developed SCF technology to not only reduce the space required for peripheral circuitry and lower system development costs, but also to increase the functionality by effectively having an analog sound processor to enable enhanced sound field functions without a DSP.

The SCF technology integrates volume and tone control features into one integrated circuit, including:

* Master volume control

* Fader volume control, which provides the balance control for front and rear speakers

* Non-fader volume control, which controls subwoofer volume

* Tone control, which adjusts audio sine wave characteristics, with adjustable center frequency (f0), and the Q via a two-wire serial interface

* Input gain control, which allows amplitude control of each standard and differential input source from up to five channels

* Microcontroller interface, which allows a microcontroller to control every function of the device via a two-wire serial interface

The device also reduces overall audio system noise through its innovative zero crossing detection and master volume control circuit design.

The zero crossing detection circuit adjusts the audio signal level when the audio signal reaches one-half VCC, thereby reducing the level of switching noise.

The master volume control is implemented both before and after the tone control circuitry, reducing the noise level when the tone control is turned on.

About The Author:

Dan Wright is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.booming-car-audio.com.  Get the car audio system you want plus accessories and valuable advice.