FREMONT, Calif. - Nov. 1, 1999 -- Leveraging its expertise in applying high-performance analog techniques to solve system-level issues, Cirrus Logic Inc. (NASDAQ:CRUS) today unveiled the Crystal® CS553x family of precision measurement system-on-chip solutions. Delivering breakthrough levels of accuracy and design flexibility, the new entries incorporate the innovative Crystal MultiPath™ amplifier core, a proprietary architecture that enables the devices to offer the world's lowest noise level (6nV/sqrt Hz at 0.1 Hz) and highest resolution (up to 23-bits of true noise-free measurement performance). Highly integrated and competitively priced, the chips are ideal for precision measurement applications requiring a sample rate of up to 4kHz in such markets as process control and medical instrumentation.

In addition to its unprecedented performance, the system-on-chip integration of the CS553x family will streamline precision data acquisition system design. By integrating the multiplexer, amplifier and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) on a single-chip, the new family greatly simplifies analog front-end design for the system engineer, reducing design time and cost.

"One of the most complex issues facing today's data acquisition system designer is laying out a circuit board that interfaces the amplifier, the multiplexer and the ADC while achieving the desired system performance," said Eric Broockman, vice president and general manager of Cirrus Logic's Crystal Industrial & Communications Division. "Our CS553x family has resolved this complex issue for the system designer. Thanks to its ease of use and superior analog performance, system designers can now create products with unprecedented analog performance without knowing the black magic tricks behind board-level analog design, or the need for multiple circuit board revisions."

MultiPath Architecture Delivers Performance Breakthroughs

The CS553x family includes many technological advancements, such as the new, patented, ultra-low-noise, MultiPath amplifier architecture. This innovative architecture is designed to produce a constant noise level over the entire input range of just 6nV/sqrt Hz, setting a new standard in noise performance. In fact, the architecture eliminates low-frequency related 1/f noise, often associated with competitive discrete bipolar op amps.

"We have taken a 30-year-old technology - chopper stabilization - and used it in the context of an entirely new architecture to create an amplifier that delivers world-class performance," said Axel Thomsen, amplifier architect and design manager for Cirrus Logic's Crystal Industrial Division. "Compared to other CMOS-based chopper-stabilized amplifiers, the MultiPath amplifier integrated into our new ADC products offers 1/10th the integrated noise level for the 0.1- to -10 Hz range. This superior noise performance enables a multitude of new system design possibilities." (For more detailed performance breakthroughs, click here.)

From Semi-Trucks to Sapphires

With the CS553x, system designers are able to perform highly precise measurements across a broad range of signal inputs, allowing manufacturers to reap the benefits of using a common hardware platform for multiple product lines. For example, weigh scale manufacturers could use the same chip to make scales that weigh thousands of pounds of freight (to a resolution of less than an ounce) and scales that weigh gems in fractions of carats.

The new Crystal CS553x family also enables manufacturers of precision instruments to build analytical devices that far surpass today's performance levels. For example, scientific devices, such as chromatographs, will be able to detect even lower concentrations of trace elements. Medical devices such as patient monitoring systems and fetal oxygen saturation systems will be able to track patient status with much greater accuracy.

Fewer Components, Better Design Flexibility

The CS553x family of integrated circuits incorporates a number of features that improve manufacturing, design flexibility, testability, and economy. Superior to other instrumentation measurement chips on the market, the CS553x eliminates the need to purchase and configure expensive external components, such as a separate precision resistor and amplifier for gain ranging. In addition, the MultiPath architecture includes a patented calibration engine, which permits per-channel calibration to correct for system or gain error and allows the user to digitally fine-tune the chip for different signal amplitudes ranging from 5mV to 5V. This proprietary technology eliminates costly and time-consuming manual adjustments.

Pricing, Packaging & Availability

The CS553x family offers a variety of choices including, two bit output preferences (16-bit and 24-bit), multiple pin and channel alternatives (20-pins for 2-channel chips and 24-pins for 4-channel chips) as well as different price/performance options in the range of $6.20 to $13.20 per chip in quantities of 1,000. Packaged in Shrink Small Outline Packages (SSOP), the entire CS553x family is in production and evaluation boards with software are available through distributors.

Free Schematic & Layout Review

Cirrus Logic offers comprehensive worldwide customer support to assist customer product development and manufacturing. Applications engineering support, including free confidential schematic and layout reviews may be requested toll-free via 1-800-888-5016, by email from datacq@crystal.com or from your local distributor.

Cirrus Logic, Inc.

Cirrus Logic is a premier supplier of high-performance analog circuits and advanced mixed-signal chip solutions. The company's products, sold under its own name and the Crystal product brand, enable system-level applications in mass storage, audio and precision data conversion. Additional information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.

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CS553x Performance Breakthroughs

Lowest integrated noise levels from 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz for dc measurement applications (process control, weigh scale, medical instrumentation and scientific analysis) in the industry, permitting greater than 21-bits of true measurement performance on a ±80 mV signal:

1/10 the spot noise level at 0.1 Hz of any other Bipolar instrumentation amplifier, delivering accurate measurements of ultra low input frequencies;

1/3 the integrated noise from 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz of any other Bipolar instrumentation amplifier, providing precise measurements over the entire input range;

1/10 the integrated noise from 0.1 Hz to 10Hz of any other CMOS-based chopper stabilized amplifier, offering best of class performance;

1/10 to 1/30 the noise level of the nearest competitive integrated A/D converter solution for the same input range and bandwidth, guaranteeing the user the most bits of error free data;

1/25 the offset drift of the most competitive Bipolar instrumentation amplifier, enabling more precise measurements over temperature;

1/2 the excitation voltage (5V versus the industry-standard 10V) required for strain gauge measurements, facilitating the transition to very high-resolution measurements with low drift;

Highest resolution for ultra low-level signals (>18 bits for a 5 mV input span and 23-bits for a 2.5V input span), laying the foundation for new breakthroughs in industrial, medical, and scientific monitoring systems.

Comparison Parameters CS553x

MultiPath Amplifier Industry's Best Bipolar* Instrumentation Amplifier

Input Offset Voltage (G=64) 5uV Max 25uV Max

Input Offset Voltage Drift (G=64) 10 nV/C 250 nV/C

Spot Noise (G=64 @ 0.1 Hz) 6nV/sqrt Hz 50nVsqrt Hz

Integrated Noise (G=64 P-P 0.1Hz -10Hz) 110nV 280nV

1/f noise Corner (G=64) 0.1 Hz (no 1/f noise) 10 Hz

Gain Non-Linearity (G=64) 2 ppm (19 bits) 10 ppm (16.5 bits)

* Competitive marks in chart above compiled via product data sheets.

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