Texas Instruments PCM3793ARHBR

Overview

PCM3793ARHBR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit stereo audio CODEC with integrated Class-D digital speaker amplifier, headphone amplifier, microphone bias, analog mixing, and programmable tone control. It delivers 700 mW + 700 mW speaker output into 8 Ω, 40 mW + 40 mW headphone output into 16 Ω, and supports 5–50 kHz sampling rates. Designed for portable audio systems requiring low power (7 mW playback at 1.8 V/2.4 V), it integrates ALC, high-pass and notch filters, and 3-D sound processing.

For engineers reviewing the PCM3793ARHBR datasheet, PCM3793ARHBR pinout, PCM3793ARHBR application, or PCM3793ARHBR equivalent, this device serves as a complete audio subsystem for battery-powered devices where space, thermal management, and multi-source analog mixing (e.g., FM radio + DAC) are critical selection criteria.

Technical Context

The PCM3793ARHBR implements delta-sigma ADC and DAC architectures with decimation and interpolation filtering, supporting I²S, left-justified, right-justified, and DSP serial formats. Its analog front end includes three stereo input pairs (AIN1–AIN3) with 0/20 dB boost and 30 dB to –12 dB gain per channel; the back end features independent volume-controlled line/headphone outputs and BTL speaker drivers with spectrum spreading for EMI reduction.

Control is handled via 2-wire I²C or 3-wire SPI interface, enabling register-level configuration of all signal paths - including analog mixing bypass, headphone plug detection (HDTI), automatic level control (ALC), and dual-stage programmable notch filtering. Power domains are segregated: VDD/VIO (1.71–3.6 V), VCC/VPA (2.4–3.6 V), with thermal shutdown and short-circuit protection active on speaker and headphone outputs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PCM3793ARHBR uses a 32-pin, 5-mm × 5-mm QFN package with exposed thermal pad (RHB suffix). Pin functions are validated per TI SLAS529A datasheet, Table 1 and Pin Assignments diagrams.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar stereo audio CODEC applications.

Compared with PCM3794ARHBR and TLV320AIC3106IRHBR, PCM3793ARHBR uniquely integrates full-power Class-D speaker drivers and analog mixing - making it the only option among the three capable of driving 8-Ω speakers directly while maintaining low system power and minimal component count.

Availability

PCM3793ARHBR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable audio players, smartphone baseband subsystems, and digital still/video cameras requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for PCM3793ARHBR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of expertise in precision audio signal chains.

The PCM3793A product line was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, space-constrained portable audio applications - integrating codec, headphone amp, speaker amp, and analog mixing into a single QFN to eliminate inter-chip routing and reduce system-level power consumption.

FAQ

What is the maximum speaker load impedance supported by PCM3793ARHBR?

The PCM3793ARHBR is specified for 8-Ω speaker loads in BTL configuration, delivering up to 700 mW per channel at VPA = 3.6 V. Driving higher impedances (e.g., 16 Ω) reduces output power proportionally and is not characterized in the datasheet; operation outside 8 Ω may affect THD+N and thermal performance. The PCM3793ARHBR datasheet explicitly defines SPOLP/SPOLN/SPORP/SPORN for 8-Ω operation only.

Does PCM3793ARHBR support capless headphone output?

Yes, PCM3793ARHBR supports capless headphone output in stereo or mono differential mode via HPOL/LOL and HPOR/LOR pins. When configured with HPS[1:0] = 11b, the outputs operate with 0.5×VCC common-mode voltage and require no DC-blocking capacitors - reducing component count and board area. This mode is validated for 16–32 Ω loads per the PCM3793ARHBR electrical characteristics table.

How does the analog mixing path in PCM3793ARHBR differ from digital mixing?

The analog mixing path in PCM3793ARHBR routes signals directly from AIN1–AIN3 inputs to headphone or speaker outputs without ADC/DAC conversion - preserving signal integrity and eliminating latency. Digital mixing occurs post-ADC and requires full sample-rate processing. The PCM3793ARHBR analog mixer is controlled by registers 87–89 and enables zero-latency FM radio or line-in monitoring, unlike digital mixing which adds pipeline delay.

Can PCM3793ARHBR operate with a single 3.3-V supply?

No, PCM3793ARHBR requires four separate supply domains: VDD/VIO (1.71–3.6 V), VCC (2.4–3.6 V), VPA (2.4–3.6 V), and AGND/DGND/PGND grounds. While 3.3 V may satisfy nominal ratings, violating the minimum 2.4 V on VCC/VPA or 1.71 V on VDD/VIO risks functional failure - especially in speaker amplifier and ADC sections. The PCM3793ARHBR datasheet specifies distinct voltage ranges per domain and does not support single-supply operation.

What protection features are implemented in PCM3793ARHBR's speaker amplifier?

The PCM3793ARHBR speaker amplifier includes thermal shutdown (triggered at ~150°C die temperature) and short-circuit protection on all BTL outputs (SPOLP/SPOLN/SPORP/SPORN). Status flags (STSR/STSL) are readable via I²C register 77. These protections are hardware-enforced and operate independently of software control - ensuring robustness during fault conditions without host MCU involvement. The PCM3793ARHBR datasheet confirms these features apply exclusively to the speaker amplifier section.