AKM Semiconductor introduced the AK2306/AK2306LV two high-performance PCM CODECs designed for use in IP telephony, POTS-capable DSL/cable modems, key telephones and ISDN POTS terminal adapters.

With the explosive development of network communications around the globe there is strong demand for the best cost to performance ratio in consumer-appliance terminal adapters (TAs). The AK2305, released earlier for ISDN/TA applications, provided a simpler TA settings and lower costs solution. AKM has now moved to the next level of a broad feature set with the introduction of the AK2306 and AK2306LV 2-channel PCM CODECs offering a further cost reduction and space savings this innovative CODEC operates on a 5.0V (AK2306) or a 3.3V (AK2306LV) power supply.

These CODECs combine a 2-channel PCM CODEC with built-in TX/RX volume controls (+6 to ę18 dB), 16/20Hz ring-tone generator, and low idle channel noise/low cross-talk. These advanced features are integrated so that systems designers require fewer external components than previously required in systems. This allows for lower system cost and smaller system size over all.

AKM has long been known for superior sound quality in professional and consumer audio systems. Using these technological advantages developed for professional audio AKM now offers products for telecom based applications. According to Lyle Knudson of AKM Semiconductor, "AKM is now branching out into areas that will allow the company to use its vast resources to aid customer designs in more areas than just professional and consumer audio."

This is a new market for AKM, but one that they company should be logically able to play in. Pushing the part for "ISDN Terminal Adapters" is a little strange as ISDN is very much a dying standard with the proliferation of xDSL and T1 in most communities. The part is useful across the board, however.

The architecture is of dual, fully duplicated, codecs with analog ins and outs and serial data ins and outs. The inputs and outputs of the transmit and receive amplifiers are all available at pinouts. The PLL for the PCM interface requires an external loop filter. Additionally a selectable 16 or 20 Hz ring tone generator is available at a pin. The part includes a selectable A-Law/u-Law function and a gain adjustment range of -18 dB to +6 dB in 1-dB steps. The PCM interface accepts both long and short frame clocks plus GCI. Power down, mute and power-on reset are all incorporated.