Texas Instruments National LM48901 quad Class D spatial array

Texas Instruments has introduced an integrated circuit that simplifies the design and programming of spatially-enhanced audio systems for multi-speaker portable products, including laptops, tablets, sound bars and sound docking stations.

The National LM48901 quad Class D spatial array is believed to be the first in a family of audio ICs that employs distributed sound processing coupled with loudspeaker array to produce an immersive audio experience for space-constrained applications.

The IC integrates a spatial processing DSP, four class D amplifiers, 18-bit stereo analog-to-digital converter, phase-locked loop, and I2S and I2C interfaces.

Software speeds development by eliminating the need for algorithm tuning and in-house DSP experts and an immersive audio effect enables differentiated products that defy physical system size to provide an expanded soundstage.

The IC enables multiple LM48901s to be daisy-chained to support up to 16 speaker channels and multiple subwoofer configurations, while integrated 2 W speaker drivers: four class D speaker drivers deliver 2 W per channel of continuous output power into a 4 Ω load with less than 1% total harmonic distortion.