STMicroelectronics Supports Enhanced Audio Performance, Cost Reduction, and Eco-friendly Design for Home Multimedia

Audio amplifier with integrated headphone output and line-out,
Implementation of power reduction, improved listening performance, and simplified design

– The TS4604 stereo audio amplifier from STMicroelectronics ( www.st.com ), a leading supplier of consumer electronics ICs, will be installed in future home audio-video equipment and set-top boxes to provide various audio enhancement features.

The TS4604 integrates a 100mW stereo headphone output and a driver for audio line-out connections for PC-audio products such as LCD and PDP TVs, set-top boxes, PVRs, Blu-ray players, and sound cards. The TS4604 meets environmentally friendly design requirements with its low operating power and dedicated shutdown control per function. Furthermore, it features a built-in muting function that improves listening experience by preventing audible pop and click noises when the supply voltage drops due to external factors.

The TS4604 simplifies equipment design and reduces costs by integrating a charge-pump circuit that supplies negative voltage to the amplifier. Consequently, only a single external power supply of 3.0V to 4.8V is required to maintain the amplifier's output signal, and the line driver output can be increased up to 2Vrms. High-voltage power supply for the line-out circuit is also unnecessary. The DC cutoff capacitor is also eliminated, reducing both cost and PCB (printed-circuit-board) space.