Renesas Technology`s Digital Amplifier IC Offers Adaptable Audio Tuning for Quality Sound and Has a Space-Saving Package, Aiding the Design of Thinner Flat-Panel TVs

The New High-Power R2J15116FP Digital Stereo Amplifier with an Internal 24-bit
Audio Digital Signal Processor (DSP) Delivers a 15W Maximum Audio Output in a
Compact 7mm x 7mm Package

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Renesas Technology America, Inc. has introduced the R2J15116FP, a compact,
high-performance digital amplifier. The new IC accepts an IIS digital-audio
signal input, performs processing with a built-in audio digital signal processor
(DSP) unit, and then amplifies the result to deliver adaptively tuned stereo
output to two speakers at up to 15 watts per channel. A key feature of the
device is its space-saving 7mm x 7mm (body size) package, which fits into
thinner LCD and plasma flat-panel TV sets, as well as into thinner computer
monitors.

Reducing thickness while boosting audio quality

Consumer electronics manufacturers have learned that thinner flat-panel TVs gain
consumers` attention and sales, so they`re devoting considerable effort into
finding smaller components and designing clever video system packaging. However,
they understand that it makes little sense to gain a premium "thin" look if by
doing so the sound the set produces becomes degraded because quality components
won`t fit into the enclosure. The trend to thinner profiles and narrower screen
frames necessarily places considerable restrictions on speaker placement and
mandates the use of smaller, thinner, less-conspicuous speakers that make it
more difficult to achieve good-quality sound and sufficient audio volume and
presence. Yet demand grows for better audio as buyers show preferences for
larger screen sizes. Simultaneously, TV manufacturers opting to maintain
continuity with the screen sizes and profiles of current models are seeking ways
to obtain precise tuning of sound production to suit different environments and
set designs, and also to enable product-line expansions.

Identifying these design issues as an opportunity for new product development,
Renesas has produced the single-chip R2J15116FP. This digital stereo amplifier
is small in size, but big in features and performance. It outputs sufficient
audio power for many applications and integrates a 24-bit audio DSP unit. The
on-chip DSP function reduces the load on the TV set`s main DSP unit, while
providing efficient sound-quality enhancement, audio tuning, and parametric
equalization, as well as stabilizing the output level against power supply
voltage fluctuations. Additionally, the digital amplifier incorporates special
analog-technology IP that makes possible very smooth sound-level adjustments and
its 49mm mounting footprint is only about half the size of the previous
two-package Renesas solution.

Allowing flat-panel TVs that are simpler and deliver reliable operation

To simplify system design and boost reliability, the new digital amplifier
includes a full set of the safety functions for preventing problems that might
otherwise occur in abnormal situations. Besides the standard overcurrent,
overheating, and low-voltage detection and protection circuits included in past
stereo amplifier devices, a new function has been added that gives advance
warning of overheating. It automatically lowers the volume to reduce excessive
heat generation.

Renesas plans to extend this product line by, among other things, adding digital
amplifier models that vary the functions incorporated into the on-chip audio DSP
unit.

Price and Availability

Product Name Maximum Control System Package Price /

Output
Availability

Power
R2J151116FP 15W/ IIS data bus 48-pin HTQFP $3.00 in 10,000

Digital audio stereo amplifier
channel
interface
(7mm x 7mm,
quantities / Now

excluding pins)

IIC bus protocol

For MCU

Note to Editors

A specification summary of the R2J151116FP digital audio stereo amplifier is
available upon request or by visiting http://america.renesas.com and accessing
the press release.

About Renesas Technology Corp.

Renesas Technology Corp. is one of the world's leading semiconductor system
solutions providers for mobile, automotive and PC/AV (Audio Visual) markets and
the world's No.1 supplier of microcontrollers. It is also a leading provider of
LCD Driver ICs, Smart Card microcontrollers, RF-ICs, High Power Amplifiers,
Mixed Signal ICs, System-on-Chip (SoC), System-in-Package (SiP) and more.
Established in 2003 as a joint venture between Hitachi, Ltd.
(TOKYO:6501)(NYSE:HIT) and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6503), Renesas
Technology achieved consolidated revenue of 951 billion JPY in FY2007 (end of
March 2008). Renesas Technology is based in Tokyo, Japan and has a global
network of manufacturing, design and sales operations in 17 countries with
26,800 employees worldwide. For further information, please visit
http://www.renesas.com

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respective owners.

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Renesas Technology America, Inc.
Stefani Parrish, 408-382-7410
stefani.parrish@renesas.com

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