Atmel Introduces High-end Analog Companion IC for Handheld Communication Devices

The AT73C206 integrates power management and high-quality audio circuitry on a single chip. It has 9 linear regulators (LDO) and one high-current, high-efficiency switching regulator (DC-DC), a standalone continuous battery charger with integrated pass transistor, a 4-channel white LED driver with integrated charge pump and a self-contained Real-Time Clock. On the audio side the AT73C206 offers a complete voice/audio analog interface comprising a 16-bit Voice Codec, 16-bit Stereo Audio DAC with headset driver and a 300 mW speaker driver.

¡°With the AT73C206 Atmel can now provide a top-class analog companion for handheld communication devices,¡± commented Michele Casetta, Marketing Manager for Atmel's Power Management And Analog Companions (PMAAC) Product Line. ¡°Today application developers and design houses are asking for complete analog companions integrating power supplies and an audio interface. Atmel is on the restricted list of silicon suppliers that can offer this solution. The AT73C206 allows customers to integrate the functionality of a high-quality digital music player into their mobile phone or VoIP phone.¡±

¡°More generally, Atmel is in a position to support application developers or design houses with a complete portfolio of analog companion ICs, starting from the simplest products (integrating 4 LDOs), to more complex power management units for low-cost mobile phones and finally high-end products like the AT73C206 for multimedia phones,¡± concluded Michele Casetta.

Pricing and Availability

Atmel offers the AT73C206 in a 9 x 9 mm, 96-ball ultra-thin BGA package in order to satisfy portable device manufacturers¡¯ minimum space requirements. The AT73C206 is priced at $2.90 in quantities of 100K units. It is now available, in the format of a reference design board or as engineering samples.