The MAX9856 is a high-performance, low-power stereo audio CODEC designed for MP3, personal media players (PMPs), or other portable multimedia devices. Using on-board stereo DirectDrive? headphone amplifiers, the CODEC can output 30mW into stereo 32Ω headphones while operating from a single 1.8V power supply. Very low 9mW playback power consumption makes it an ideal choice for battery-powered applications. The MAX9856 provides microphone input amplifiers, plus flexible input selection, signal mixing, and automatic gain control (AGC). Comprehensive load-impedance sensing allows the MAX9856 to autodetect most common audio and audio/video headset and jack plug types.

Outputs include stereo DirectDrive line outputs and DirectDrive headphone amplifiers. The stereo ADC can convert audio signals from either internal or external microphones that can be configured for single-ended or differential signal inputs. Line inputs can be configured as stereo, differential, or mono and fed through one channel of the microphone path. The analog inputs selected can be gain ranged or mixed with other input sources prior to conversion to digital. The ADC path also features programmable digital highpass filters to remove DC offset voltages and wind noise.

The MAX9856 supports all common sample rates from 8kHz to 48kHz in both master and slave mode. The serial digital audio interfaces support a variety of formats including I2S, left justified, and PCM modes.

The MAX9856 uses a thermally efficient, space-saving 40-pin, 6mm x 6mm x 0.8mm TQFN package.