Audio Sample Rate Converters Integrated Circuit

An Audio Sample Rate Converter (SRC) acts as the “simultaneous interpreter” of the digital audio world.

In digital audio, the sampling rate refers to how many times per second sound is sampled (e.g., 44.1 kHz for CDs or 48 kHz for film). When two devices with different sampling rates communicate, or a single device handles multiple audio sources, the SRC chip converts the data from one rate to another. It does this without changing the pitch or speed of the audio.

Audio Sample Rate Converters IC

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(from leading manufacturers)

International Manufacturers and Typical Models

1. Texas Instruments (TI)

  • Standalone ASRC (Asynchronous SRC):
    • SRC4192 / SRC4190: Industry-standard models. They support 192kHz/24-bit with a 140dB dynamic range. Widely used in mid-to-high-end Hi-Fi decoders.
    • SRC4193: An upgraded version of the SRC4192. It is optimized for ultra-low distortion in professional audio.
    • SRC4184: A 4-channel (2×2) ASRC. Ideal for multi-channel systems.
  • Integrated SRC + Transceiver:
    • SRC4392 / SRC4382: High-integration flagship models. A single chip includes an ASRC, a Digital Audio Receiver (DIR), and a Transmitter (DIT). Common in digital mixing consoles.
    • DIX4192 / DIX9211: Focused on interface conversion (e.g., S/PDIF to I2S) with integrated sampling rate adjustment.

2. Cirrus Logic

  • Standalone ASRC:
    • CS8421: A classic 32-bit, 192kHz ASRC chip. Known for excellent jitter suppression and simple peripheral circuit design.
  • Integrated SRC + Receiver:
    • CS8422: Combines a 24-bit/192kHz DIR with an ASRC. It automatically detects input frequencies and converts them to a fixed system frequency.

3. Asahi Kasei (AKM)

  • High-Performance SRC:
    • AK4137EQ: One of the highest-performing ASRCs on the market. It supports 768kHz PCM and allows bidirectional conversion between PCM and DSD. A favorite for high-end audiophile equipment.
    • AK4127: A cost-effective 192kHz/24-bit dual-channel ASRC. Frequently used in car audio and mid-range players.
  • Integrated Audio Processors:
    • AK4604 / AK4606: Multi-channel audio CODECs or switch chips with integrated SRC functions.

4. Analog Devices (ADI)

  • Professional Grade ASRC:
    • AD1896: A legendary 24-bit/192kHz converter. Its clock reconstruction algorithm performs exceptionally well with high-jitter signals.
    • AD1895: A low-voltage, low-power version of the AD1896. Used in portable or automotive systems.
  • Application-Specific Models:
    • ADAV801 / ADAV803: Audio CODECs with SRC designed specifically for digital recording devices like DVD recorders.

Quick Selection Guide

Core RequirementRecommended ManufacturerRecommended Models
Ultra-High Dynamic Range (140dB)TISRC4192
DSD Conversion SupportAKMAK4137EQ
Integrated S/PDIF ReceiverTI / Cirrus LogicSRC4392 / CS8422
High Jitter EnvironmentsADIAD1896
Multi-channel (4+ Channels)TISRC4184

Chinese Domestic Manufacturers and Models

1. Standalone ASRCs

These chips are the primary drivers of domestic replacement, directly rivaling the Cirrus Logic CS8422 or TI SRC series.

  • Ruimeng Technology (RJM)
    • Model: MS8422N
    • Position: 24-bit, 192kHz ASRC with integrated DIR.
    • Features: A highly mature model that directly rivals the CS8422. It solves clock matching issues between different digital sources. Common in soundbars, digital amplifiers, and car audio.
  • Guanghuaxin (CJC)
    • Model: CJC5340, CJC1808
    • Position: High-performance audio ADCs with sample processing capabilities.
    • Features: Flexible sampling rate adaptation at the digital output. Widely used in microphones and sound cards.

2. Audio DSP with Integrated ASRC

A key feature of domestic chips is integrating the ASRC as a hardware module within a powerful Digital Signal Processor (DSP).

  • Mvsilicon
    • Model: DU561, AP6225
    • Position: High-fidelity audio DSPs.
    • Features: Built-in high-performance ASRC modules. They convert various input rates to a unified internal frequency. Used in karaoke speakers and automotive DSPs.
  • Actions Technology
    • Model: ATS283X series, ATS301X series
    • Position: Bluetooth Audio SoCs.
    • Features: Uses internal ASRC modules to mix Bluetooth audio (44.1k/48k) with local or I2S signals (96k/192k).

3. Audio CODEC with SRC

  • Everest Semiconductor
    • Model: ES7243 (ADC), ES8388 (CODEC)
    • Position: Low-power, high-performance audio CODECs.
    • Features: Supports a wide range of frequency conversions from 8kHz to 200kHz. Used in smart homes, OTT boxes, and portable video devices.
  • Chipsea
    • Model: CS1232 / CS1795X (Automotive Grade)
    • Position: High-precision ADC / Analog signal chain.
    • Features: Integrates resampling algorithms into SoCs for applications like automotive audio monitoring.

China Domestic Chip Comparison Logic

Chip TypeRepresentative BrandsCore Logic & Advantages
Standalone ASRCRuimeng (MS8422N)Pin-to-pin replacement for international brands; reduces supply chain risk.
Integrated Audio DSPMvsilicon, ActionsASRC acts as a hard-core module; high integration for complex audio processing.
Consumer ADC/CODECEverest, CJCFocused on cost-effectiveness; meets sampling needs for consumer electronics.

Core Functions: What Problems Does Audio Sample Rate Converters IC Solve?

  1. Eliminating Frequency Mismatch: Direct input of a 44.1 kHz signal into a 48 kHz processor causes distortion and noise. SRC acts as a frequency “translator.”
  2. Removing Jitter: ASRCs do not rely on the input clock. They “clean” data using high-quality local clocks to improve sound quality.
  3. Standardization for Mixing: DSPs must unify Bluetooth, USB, and radio audio to a single sampling rate before mixing.

Typical Application Scenarios

  1. Professional Studios & Mixing Consoles: Ensures all external sources (96kHz, 192kHz, etc.) match the main console’s frequency before mixing.
  2. High-End Hi-Fi DACs: ASRCs perform up-sampling and re-clocking to reduce distortion and improve bit depth.
  3. Automotive Infotainment: Unifies diverse signals (Bluetooth, FM, Navigation, Parking Sensors) to a fixed DSP frequency (usually 48kHz).
  4. TVs & Soundbars: Solves compatibility issues between TV outputs (often 48kHz) and soundbar processors.
  5. Sound Cards & Live Streaming: Ensures audio from different software (accompaniment, vocals, calls) does not conflict when combined.

Manufacturer Market Positioning

ManufacturerMarket Advantage & PositioningRepresentative Series
Texas Instruments (TI)Highest market share; covers industrial to high-performance grades. SRC41xx, SRC43xx
Cirrus LogicFocuses on CODECs; highly influential in consumer and high-end audio. CS84xx
Asahi Kasei (AKM)Focuses on “Velvet Sound”; leader in DSD and high-sample-rate support. AK41xx
Analog Devices (ADI)Strong DSP background; common in pro-broadcast, studios, and automotive. AD18xx, ADAVxx
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