SAN FRANCISCO - Sept. 28, 1998 -- At the Audio Engineering Society Conference, Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ:CRUS) today announced a family of four Crystal® audio codecs (CS4220/21/23/24) that break new ground in providing high-performance audio processing for professional audio systems. Delivering a dynamic range that is up to a full 5 dB better any other solution, the company's new CS4223 and CS4224 audio codecs are the industry's first devices to specify true 24-bit resolution and a 105 dB dynamic range. With a 6 dB gain over previous product offerings, the CS4223/24 pair provide the equivalent of a 1-bit gain in resolution, and a doubling of performance. The new family also includes the CS4220 and CS4221 audio codecs, two 24-bit 100 dB dynamic range solutions for lower cost implementations.

The new devices significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio (110 dB SNR) typical of 18- and 20-bit audio codecs, while providing a smooth upgrade path for audio designers to harness the increased resolution offered by 24-bit solutions. Complementing the 105 dB dynamic range with greater than 90 dB total harmonic distortion + noise (THD+N), the CS4223/24 deliver unmatched audio reproduction, with distortion levels low enough to support demanding professional audio devices such as multi-track recorders, musical instruments, reverb processors and digital audio tape (DAT) systems.

"To deliver the performance required in their systems, professional audio designers used to select separate ADC and DAC solutions over single-chip codecs," said Fred Valenzuela, director of audio marketing for Cirrus Logic's Crystal Semiconductor Products Division. "By offering 24-bit audio codecs that span a 100 dB to 105 dB dynamic range, Cirrus Logic provides professional level performance in a single cost- and size-efficient package, reducing board size, manufacturing complexity, and total system cost. Moreover, maintaining our lead in professional audio allows us to extend that technology into the consumer and PC audio markets, delivering new levels of performance in mainstream audio applications."

Rich Feature Set

Audio codecs offering 24-bit resolution -- the industry's highest -- prevent the truncation of audio to 20 bits and maintain sound quality. Additionally, the available 105 dB dynamic range lowers the audio codec's noise floor to enable more accurate sound reproduction. To reduce system cost, complexity, and footprint, the CS422X codecs offer a 3V and 5V compatible digital interface that eliminates the need for an external buffer IC between the DSP and the codec in 3.3V systems.

With today's announcement, Cirrus Logic reinforces its industry leadership as the world's largest supplier of high-performance audio ICs. As a lead supplier for professional, consumer and PC audio systems, Cirrus Logic provides the broadest line of audio processing solutions, including A/D converters, D/A converters, sample rate converters, audio codecs, digital audio interface chips, audio quality DSPs, together with AC-97 codecs, and ISA and PCI PC products.

Pricing and Availability

The new 24-bit audio codec family is currently sampling and will be shipping in volume in October 1998. All prices are listed in quantities of 1000. The CS4224, a 105 dB dynamic range solution with integrated analog volume control and a control port, is available for $13.20. The CS4223, a stand alone 105 dB solution, is $12.60. The CS4221/20, two 100 dB dynamic range solutions, are priced at $10.40 and $9.80 respectively. Additional information on the devices and other Crystal consumer and professional audio solutions is available at www.cirrus.com.

Cirrus Logic

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of precision linear circuits and advanced mixed-signal system-level chip solutions, the latter which demand high-performance mixed-signal processing, embedded DSP, algorithms and firmware. The company's products, sold under its own name and the Crystal product brand, enable high-volume applications in mass storage, communications, consumer electronics and industrial markets. Additional information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.

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Note to editors: Cirrus Logic is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic Inc. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.