Sunnyvale, California–The Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., today announced that it is sampling powerful new M61511FP and M61512FP six-channel electronic volume control chips. The new devices are designed for leading-edge consumer audio systems that use 5.1 systems.

“Developers are always looking for a smoother, more compact, and more integrated way to control the volume in audio systems,” says George Riehm, senior marketing manager for consumer products at Mitsubishi. “These new feature-rich electronic volume chips give high-end audio components the ability to have smooth, low-noise sound reproduction throughout the volume range.”

Manufactured in high-voltage CMOS process technology that allows a +/- 7 Volt power supply, the M61511FP is designed for audio-video (AV) amplifiers and receivers, and features high dynamic range and a high signal-to-noise ratio for very low noise performance. The device includes 10 input selectors, four sets of record outputs (with a mute switch), and a 5.1-channel input selector. The M61511FP controls a volume range of 0 to -95 dB in 1-dB steps, according to the company.

The M61512FP is aimed for midrange and high-end applications that use a 9-Volt single power source and require more functions. It features six input selectors, a built-in bass boost circuit, a balanced output for the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a gain amplifier for signal-level change flexibility with different audio components, and a microphone input mixing circuit for karaoke applications. The M61512FP controls a volume range of 0 to -87 dB in 1-dB steps.

Samples are available now with volume production scheduled for North America in September 2001. Sample pricing for the M61511FP is $5.80 each, and pricing for the M61512FP is $4.80 each.