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What is CS42528 Interface ICs?

Mar 10, 2025 596

The CS42528 is an advanced audio codec built for high-performance audio systems. It packs a lot into one chip, combining a stereo analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and eight digital-to-analog converters (DACs). This makes it a great all-in-one solution for handling audio signals in everything from home electronics to car infotainment systems, as well as pro audio gear. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the CS42528 interface IC, covering its features, specs, and real-world uses.

What’s the CS42528?

The CS42528 is a multi-channel audio codec with an 8-channel DAC and a 2-channel ADC. It’s designed to deliver top-notch audio quality, which makes it perfect for high-fidelity audio setups. The chip supports different audio format s and works seamlessly with digital audio sources through I²S, TDM, and other standard audio protocols. You’ll commonly find it in home theater systems, professional audio gear, and car audio systems, where it’s used to convert digital audio to analog and vice versa.

CS42528 Interface ICs

CS42528 Interface ICs

CS42528 Architecture

The CS42528 has a powerful architecture, featuring separate stereo ADCs and eight DAC channels. This lets it process both input and output audio at the same time. The DACs offer 24-bit resolution and can handle sample rates up to 192 kHz, ensuring fantastic sound quality. The ADCs also provide 24-bit resolution with minimal distortion and noise, so you get an accurate conversion of your analog audio signals to digital. Plus, it offers flexible clocking options, like master and slave modes, to make it easier to integrate into various audio systems.

Features of the CS42528

  • 8-Channel DAC and Stereo ADC: The CS42528 packs an 8-channel DAC and a 2-channel ADC in one chip, so you get both digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion in a single device.
  • High-Quality 24-Bit Conversion: Both the DAC and ADC offer 24-bit resolution, making sure you get high-quality, faithful audio and precise signal conversion.
  • Multiple Audio Interfaces: The CS42528 works with common digital audio formats like I²S, TDM, and left-justified, meaning it’s compatible with a lot of digital audio sources.

Specifications of the CS42528

Input and Output Specifications

  • DAC Performance: The 8-channel DAC provides 24-bit resolution and has a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 114 dB, which guarantees excellent audio output quality.
  • ADC Performance: The stereo ADC offers 24-bit resolution and an SNR of 114 dB, so it accurately converts your analog signals into high-quality digital audio.

Performance Metrics

  • Sample Rates: This chip can handle sample rates up to 192 kHz for both ADC and DAC, making it perfect for high-resolution audio systems.
  • Dynamic Range: Both the DAC and ADC offer a dynamic range of 114 dB, ensuring rich audio with plenty of detail and clarity.

Power Consumption

  • Low Power Operation: The CS42528 runs on low power, which makes it great for portable audio systems or other power-sensitive applications.
  • Power Supply Range: It works with a 3.3V supply for the digital side and 5V for the analog sections, so it’s flexible with different system power setups.

Package Types and Physical Dimensions

  • Available Packaging Options: The CS42528 comes in a 64-pin LQFP (Low-Profile Quad Flat Package), which keeps things compact and easy to integrate into tight spaces.
  • Size and Fit: The small LQFP package makes it a perfect fit for space-limited applications like automotive or portable audio devices.

Applications of the CS42528

  • Home Theater Systems: The CS42528 is a popular choice for home theaters, providing multi-channel audio output for surround sound setups. It ensures high-quality audio conversion, giving you that immersive sound experience.
  • Automotive Infotainment Systems: In car audio systems, the CS42528 delivers top-notch audio playback and recording. It supports advanced infotainment setups with multi-channel audio, making your ride’s sound system sound amazing.
  • Professional Audio Equipment: You’ll find the CS42528 in pro audio gear like mixing consoles and audio interfaces. Its high-res DAC and ADC make it perfect for precise audio processing and top-quality playback.
  • AV Receivers and Soundbars: The CS42528 is used in AV receivers and soundbars to convert digital audio from devices like Blu-ray players and game consoles into analog signals, ready for amplification and speaker output.
  • Multi-Room Audio Systems: This IC is also used in multi-room audio systems, where it handles multiple audio channels to sync sound across different zones in a home or commercial space

CS42528 Package

The CS42528 comes in a 64-pin LQFP package, making it compact and perfect for designs where space is tight. It’s built to handle heat well, so it stays reliable even in high-performance audio setups.

CS42528 Manufacturer

Made by Cirrus Logic, the CS42528 reflects their expertise in top-tier analog and mixed-signal ICs. Cirrus Logic is trusted for its solid, high-quality audio solutions found in pro audio gear, consumer devices, and even car audio systems.

CS42528 Datasheet

The datasheet for the CS42528 is packed with details on electrical specs, pin layouts, and design tips. It’s a handy resource for engineers working to get the most out of this chip in their audio projects.

CS42528 vs. Other Audio Codecs

  • CS42528 vs. CS42448: The CS42448 also comes from Cirrus Logic and offers six ADC channels compared to the CS42528’s two. If your design needs more DAC channels and fewer ADCs, the CS42528 is the way to go.
  • CS42528 vs. PCM1794A: TI’s PCM1794A is a stereo DAC with similar 24-bit, 192 kHz specs, but the CS42528 takes the lead when you need an integrated solution for both ADC and DAC, making it more versatile.
  • CS42528 vs. WM8741: Wolfson Microelectronics’ WM8741 is designed for high-end stereo setups. Meanwhile, the CS42528 shines in multi-channel audio, perfect for surround sound or other multi-channel applications.

Popular CS42528 Interface ICs

Conclusion

The CS42528 Interface IC delivers a complete, high-performance solution for both digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital audio conversion in multi-channel systems. With 24-bit resolution, support for up to 192 kHz sample rates, and flexible interface options, it’s perfect for high-quality audio in home theaters, car infotainment, and professional audio gear. Its reliable design ensures top-notch sound quality and smooth integration into advanced audio setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between CS42528 and other multi-channel audio codecs?

The CS42528 features an 8-channel DAC and a 2-channel ADC in one chip, ideal for multi-channel audio. Its 24-bit depth and 192 kHz sample rate give it an edge over codecs with fewer channels or lower resolutions.


Is the CS42528 suitable for automotive audio systems?

Yes, it's widely used in automotive infotainment systems. With its high-performance DAC/ADC and support for interfaces like I²S and TDM, it's perfect for top-tier audio in vehicles.


What is the maximum sample rate supported by the CS42528?

It supports up to 192 kHz sample rates for both DAC and ADC, making it great for high-resolution audio applications.


What packaging options are available for the CS42528?

It comes in a 64-pin LQFP package, offering a compact and reliable solution for high-performance audio in tight spaces.

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Christopher Anderson

Christopher Anderson has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, focusing on power electronics. He’s been a Senior member of the IEEE Power Electronics Society since 2021. Right now, he works with the KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology in the U.S. He also writes detailed, top-notch articles about power electronics for business-to-business electronics platforms.

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