Increased distribution of high-resolution, high-quality audio files
The increasing role of audio devices
ROHM has established commercialization technology for D/A converter ICs (hereinafter referred to as DAC chips) that are optimal for high-quality audio devices, such as Hi-Fi audio suitable for playing high-resolution audio sources. ROHM's DAC chips have received favorable evaluations for low noise and low distortion (S/N ratio and THD+N characteristics), which are the most important characteristics for audio products. Sound quality has been improved through repeated listening evaluations, and the first product samples are scheduled to be shipped in the summer of 2019.

With the recent proliferation of high-resolution audio sources, market demand for audio devices that support high-quality sound is increasing. Among these, audio DAC chips are considered the most critical component determining the sound quality of audio equipment. This is because they must convert high-capacity digital audio data into analog without loss.

Based on 50 years of product development in audio ICs, ROHM has established sound quality design technology that reproduces sound quality very close to the original sound, and has been developing products focused on sound quality, such as high-quality sound processor ICs and power ICs for high-quality audio devices. At the same time, as a total solution company for audio devices, it embarked on the development of DAC chips. Since the DAC chip under development was first unveiled at the Hi-Fi Audio Trade Fair held in Munich, Germany in May 2018, it has received high praise from Hi-Fi audio equipment manufacturers around the world.

The DAC chip currently under development is scheduled to be provided as a product of ROHM’s audio device brand ROHM Musical Device “MUS-IC” for the high-quality audio equipment market, along with the high-quality audio power IC “BD372xx series”, high-quality sound processor IC “BD3470x series”, and “BD34602FS-M”.