Mixed-signal integrated circuits developer, Triad Semiconductor, has released its TS5510 two-channel analogue front end (AFE) that redefines the input stage for professional and prosumer audio equipment. The so-called Universal AFE is a single
chip solution that simplifies design and improves real-world performance.
Audio engineers have struggled with a fundamental trade-off for decades: traditional mic pre-amp architectures (derived from instrumentation amplifier topologies) cannot seamlessly handle both extremely low-level microphone signals and very high-level line inputs (like an analogue synthesizer output). This has forced designers to incorporate external resistive pads or separate input circuits, which increases board complexity, consumes PCB space, and degrades the final Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR).
The TS5510 solves this problem by employing a revolutionary Current Conveyor-based architecture, which allows the IC to seamlessly and digitally scale a massive range of input amplitudes to perfectly match modern Audio ADCs, eliminating the need for bulky external components while minimising any common mode noise introduced into the audio signal.
The TS5510 delivers a Total Input Capture Range (TICR) of 156dB — the difference between the largest input signal it can accept without clipping (up to +28dBU and the smallest signal it can resolve (Equivalent Input Noise of 128dBU. This unprecedented dynamic range, combined with a Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) of over 90dB and high common-mode voltage tolerance, ensures robust, noise-free performance in real-world, long-cable environments.
Now design engineers can benefit from a universal input compatibility, superior noise rejection, simplified ADC interface, all in a small footprint.
TS5510 samples will be available in March this year, along with the full evaluation board (CEVB) and comprehensive collateral, including
a datasheet and a white paper on its disruptive architecture.
