ROHM has announced the development of two Class D speaker amplifiers for LCD and panel TVs, mini-component systems, powered speakers, and gaming devices. The BM5446EFV (with on-board DSP) and BD5446EFV (without DSP) feature 20W + 20W output and digital input compatibility, preventing audio deterioration caused by D/A converters normally utilized in analog systems. The gain can be fine tuned (BM5446EFV: 16 steps, BD5446: 8 steps), enabling optimization of the S/N ratio, and analog audio output provides support for headphones as well as devices requiring line output.
The increasing trend towards larger screen size and thinner LCDs and plasma TVs places greater limitations on the shape, size, and locations of speakers, making it difficult to provide high sound quality. In order to provide a level of sound quality that matches high definition video, conventional manufacturers have resorted to integrating a specialized DSP in addition to the video processing system IC. This has resulted in additional problems, including increased costs and space requirements.
The BM5446EFV integrates a DSP for high-performance audio and is the first IC of its kind with a calculation function that automatically determines the equalizer filter coefficients (i.e. 7-band parametric equalizer, 3-band tone control). Conventional systems normally transmit the filter setting coefficients from the microcontroller, placing an enormous load on the system. ROHM’s automatic calculation function makes it easy to set the equalizer characteristics– simply send a small amount of setting data for the gain, center frequency, and Q (quality) factor. Besides the normal array of audio modes (e.g. volume, surround) a unique audio function, P2Audio (Perfect Pure Audio), is integrated, encompassing three distinct correction circuits: DRC (Dynamic Range Control), bass enhancement, and sound image localization optimization. A feedback circuit is also built in, eliminating the need for power circuitry (normally used for stabilization), resulting in increased PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio) while enabling direct drive support with +24V power sources for LCD TV backlights. This not only reduces the number of components required, but ensures lower noise, distortion, and output impedance for superior audio quality.
The BD5446EFV, with no on-board DSP, is ideal as an add-on to existing audio systems that already have tone- and volume-adjusted digital signals.