News & Events
Xicor® Introduces High Performance Dual Audio Potentiometer
--Dual Channel Product Ideal for Home Theater, DVD players and Automotive Entertainment Systems
MILPITAS, California, July 9, 2002 Xicor Inc, (Nasdaq: XICO), a leading supplier of programmable mixed-signal integrated circuits, today announced a new high performance dual 32-tap digitally programmable potentiometer IC that offers a combination of performance and features ideally suited for audio applications. The X9460 device enables full digital control of audio volume via front panel push buttons or remote control, eliminating the mechanical potentiometers traditionally used for this function. A resolution of 6-bits for 0 to 62dB of audio level control range, plus a 90dB mute, makes it ideal for adjusting audio signals in preamplifier stages of audio equipment.
The device exhibits extremely good audio specifications, including a low 102dB of channel crosstalk, and noise plus distortion at 95dB below signal levels. A special zero-crossing detection circuit eliminates annoying audible clicks that occur in other digital potentiometers during wiper changes. These features enable the X9460 to improve the performance of a wide variety of audio systems, including audiophile high fidelity products.
The X9460 device has a versatile digital interface, which allows either serial two-wire communications or basic up/down control of the wiper positions. Up to four X9460 devices can be addressed within the same system by using the two address pins, making the device suitable for set top boxes, DVD players or home entertainment systems utilizing surround sound. According to multiple market sources, the estimated total available market for digital pots in these applications is approximately 130 million units per year in 2002, growing at 10% per year.
Availability and Price
The X9460 is available in 14-lead TSSOP packages and is specified over the commercial (0 to 70o C) and industrial (-40 to 85oC) temperature ranges. The parts are sampling now and production quantities will be available in August 2002. Xicor also offers Windows LabVIEW 6I drivers for prototype support.
Product Summary
| Part Number | Rtotal | Interface | Configuration | Packages | 1000 Unit Price |
| X9460 | 33k ohms | 2-wire/Up-down | Dual | TSSOP | $2.15 |
About Xicor
Xicor designs, develops and markets a wide variety of programmable mixed-signal integrated circuits and nonvolatile memory products used in networking, computing, communication and industrial applications. The Company's products include digitally controlled potentiometers and system management ICs that allow system designers to digitally control analog functions in signal processing, microprocessor monitoring and power management. Xicor product, corporate and financial information is readily available on the World Wide Web at http://www.xicor.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks may include the impact of competing products and pricing, timely design acceptance by our customers, timely ability to ramp new products into volume production, industry wide shifts in supply and demand for semiconductor products, and other risks detailed from time to time in Xicor's SEC filings.
"Xicor" is a registered trademark and "XDCP" is a trademark belonging to Xicor Inc.All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
