IC-Mart Your Trusted Source for Audio A/D Converter Chips

(from leading manufacturers)

Global Leaders: Manufacturers, Models, and Positioning

1. Texas Instruments (TI)

TI leads the audio IC market. Its PCM (formerly Burr-Brown) and TLV series cover everything from budget consumer gear to industrial systems.

Series/Model	Application	Key Features
PCM1808 / PCM1802	Consumer	High cost-performance; 24-bit stereo; used in TVs and Soundbars.
PCM186x (1864/1865)	Integrated/Auto	Supports software control and mixing; 4-channel input; used in car head units.
TLV320ADC5140	Multi-channel	4 analog/8 digital inputs; features Dynamic Range Enhancement (DRE) for smart speakers.
PCM4222	Pro Audio	24-bit/216kHz; 124dB dynamic range; an industry standard for recording studios.

2. Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)

AKM is famous for its “Velvet Sound” architecture. It holds a high market share in high-end Hi-Fi and professional audio.

Series/Model	Application	Key Features
AK557x (5572/5574/5578)	Flagship	32-bit; up to 8 channels; extreme dynamic range (120dB+) for high-end decoders.
AK555x (5552/5554)	Pro Audio	32-bit; up to 768kHz sampling; balances power and sound quality.
AK5704 / AK5705	Mobile/Low Power	4-channel; supports Voice Activity Detection (VAD) for wearables.
AK5720	Auto/Industrial	24-bit stereo; high interference resistance; AEC-Q100 certified.

3. ESS Technology

Through its Sabre brand, ESS dominates high-end smartphones and portable headphone amps.

Series/Model	Application	Key Features
ES9822Pro	Flagship	32-bit; industry-leading 125dB SNR; used in measurement and pro recording.
ES9821Q / ES9842	High-end/Multi-ch	2/4 channels; supports hard/soft control; ideal for home theaters.
ES9290	Integrated Codec	Combined ADC/DAC; ultra-small for TWS earbuds or phone dongles.

4. Cirrus Logic

Cirrus Logic has a massive market presence. Since acquiring Wolfson, they have excelled in consumer audio interfaces and codecs.

Series/Model	Application	Key Features
CS5361 / CS5381	Classic Pro Audio	24-bit; 120dB dynamic range; standard in mixers and pro sound cards.
CS5343 / CS5344	Basic Consumer	8-pin package; minimal external circuitry; used in mass-market electronics.
CS5368	Multi-ch Industrial	8-channel synchronous sampling for surround sound systems.
WM8782	Classic Universal	Former Wolfson series; high-value stereo ADC; a B2B market staple.

5. Analog Devices (ADI)

By acquiring Maxim, ADI strengthened its lead in automotive audio (A2B bus) and high-performance industrial signals.

Series/Model	Application	Key Features
ADAU1977 / 1978	Automotive	4-channel; 24-bit; includes mic line fault detection; AEC-Q100 compliant.
MAX9814	Integrated Consumer	Low-noise preamp with Automatic Gain Control (AGC) for voice modules.
AD776x Series	Ultra-precision	High SNR industrial ADC used in specialized audio analyzers.

Mainstream Chinese Manufacturers: Models and Positioning

1. Everest Semiconductor (Suzhou)

A pioneer in Chinese audio chips. Their portfolio ranges from low-power mobile chips to multi-channel arrays.

• Key Models:
  • ES7210: A classic 4-channel ADC for smart speakers and mic arrays.
  • ES7243L / ES7243E: High-performance stereo ADC with low power and high SNR.
  • ES7241 / ES7211: Found in soundbars, TVs, and entry-level audio interfaces.
• Market Position: High share in mic arrays and consumer audio.

2. ESHINE / CJC (Wuhan)

Known for the CJC series, they specialize in pin-to-pin replacements for global giants like TI and Cirrus Logic.

• Key Models:
  • CJC1808: High compatibility with TI PCM1808; widely available in the market.
  • CJC5340: Matches Cirrus Logic CS5340; 192kHz sampling for mid-to-high-end capture.
  • CJC5357B: 24-bit/96kHz; often replaces entry-level AKM ADCs.
• Market Position: Top choice for “domestic substitution” in B2B trade.

3. Ruimeng Technology (Hangzhou)

Specializes in high-performance analog/mixed-signal chips. Their ADCs are known for stability and high dynamic range.

• Key Models:
  • MS1808: A strong competitor to the TI PCM1808 with excellent noise suppression.
  • MS5358 / MS2358: 24-bit stereo ADC used in industrial monitoring and automotive.
  • MS8422N: An Asynchronous Sample Rate Converter (ASRC) with an integrated ADC.
• Market Position: Strong reputation in industrial and automotive sectors.

4. Chipsea (Shenzhen)

Starting with high-precision ADCs, Chipsea focuses on full signal-chain solutions with superior power control.

• Key Models:
  • CS1247B: Automotive-grade Sigma-Delta ADC used in specific audio sampling tasks.
  • CST92Fxx Series: Audio SoCs with high-quality ADCs for AIoT voice interaction.
• Market Position: Focuses on high-end consumer electronics and automotive.

5. Bravoprodigy (Nanjing)

Follows a professional route, with performance rivaling top international brands.

• Key Models:
  • BM1808: Replacement for the PCM1808.
  • BM5340: High-performance ADC for pro sound cards or mixers.
• Market Position: Specialized in pro audio and Hi-Fi.

Replacement Guide: International vs. Domestic

Global Model	Domestic Substitution (Pin-to-Pin or Performance)	Primary Application
TI PCM1808	CJC1808 (ESHINE), MS1808 (Ruimeng)	TV, Soundbar, Automotive IVI.
Cirrus Logic CS5340	CJC5340 (ESHINE)	Pro Audio, Karaoke equipment.
AKM AK5358	CJC5357B (ESHINE), ES7241 (Everest)	Home appliances, monitoring.
TI TLV320ADC5140	ES7210 (Everest)	Smart speakers, mic arrays.

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Audio A/D Converter IC Working Principle: From Soundwaves to Data

If sound is a continuous curve, the Audio ADC works through three steps:

1. Sampling: Takes thousands of “snapshots” per second (e.g., 48kHz).
2. Quantization: Records the precise height of each snapshot as a number (e.g., 24-bit).
3. Encoding: Outputs a data stream (e.g., 10110010…) via I2S or TDM to the processor.

Core Application Scenarios

1. Consumer Electronics: Smart speakers, TWS earbuds (ANC/talk), and smartphones.
2. Pro Audio: Digital mixers, sound cards, wireless mics, and measurement tools.
3. Automotive: Infotainment (IVI), Active Noise Cancellation (ANC/RNC), and eCall systems.
4. Industrial & IoT: Predictive maintenance (acoustic monitoring for gear failure), smart security, and conferencing.

Four Core Classifications

1. High-Performance / Pro Audio: 32-bit resolution; ultra-high SNR for studios and Hi-Fi.
2. Multi-channel Arrays: Integrated channels for smart speakers; often uses TDM to save board space.
3. Standard / Low-Power: Focused on cost and size for TWS and portable gear.
4. Automotive Grade: Must be AEC-Q100 certified; high reliability for harsh environments.