ST unlocks further eco-design, cost and audio enhancements for home multimedia equipment

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: Tomorrow's home audio-video equipment and set-top boxes that feature the TS4604 stereo audio amplifier from STMicroelectronics, a leading supplier of ICs for consumer electronics, will combine several audio improvements contributing to enhanced ownership experience.

The TS4604 integrates a 100mW stereo headphone output and a driver for the audio Line Out connection of LCD and plasma televisions, set-top boxes, PVRs, Blu-ray players, and PC-audio products such as sound cards. Its low operating power and dedicated shutdown control per function help meet eco-design objectives.

In addition, self muting enhances listeners' experiences by preventing audible pop and click noises when external factors cause the supply voltage to dip.

Equipment designs can also be simplified, delivering cost savings, because the TS4604 integrates charge-pump circuitry supplying negative voltage to the amplifiers.

Hence, only a single 3.0V to 4.8V external power supply is needed to sustain the amplifier's output signal, which can be up to 2Vrms at the line driver output. There is also no need for a high-voltage power supply for the Line Out circuitry. DC blocking capacitors are also eliminated, saving cost and PCB (printed-circuit-board) space.

Main features of the TS4604
* 100mW stereo headphone output into a 16 Ohm load with 1 percent THD+N.
* 2Vrms stereo line-driver output voltage at all supply voltages.
* 5mA quiescent current for both functions.
* 1uA shutdown current; 30ms wake-up.
* 90dB Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR) on headset and line driver outputs.

The TS4604IPT is in production now, in a halogen-free 28-pin TSSOP package, priced at $0.75 in quantities of 1000. Alternative pricing options are available for larger quantities.