ADAU1978WBCPZ - Quad 24-bit ADC, 192kHz, AEC-Q100 | ADI
MPN: ADAU1978WBCPZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.12 | $8.12 |
| 10 | $7.31 | $73.10 |
| 100 | $6.24 | $624.00 |
| 500 | $5.18 | $2,590.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.95 | $3,950.00 |
ADAU1978WBCPZ Overview
A sigma-delta ADC is a type of analog-to-digital converter that oversamples the input signal at a rate far above Nyquist and uses noise shaping to push quantization noise out of the audio band, trading sample rate for very high resolution. In the broader taxonomy, the ADAU1978 sits as an audio ADC -> ADC -> data converter -> mixed-signal IC -> semiconductor. The continuous-time input front end eliminates the traditional input switching capacitor, which is the primary source of EMI in conventional switched-capacitor ADCs, making the ADAU1978 particularly attractive for noise-sensitive automotive and professional audio designs.
Key features include a 4-channel multiplexed front end, dynamic range typically above 100 dB, total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) below -90 dB, software-controllable clickless mute, master and slave operation modes, right-justified, left-justified, I2S, and TDM output formats, and a flexible serial audio interface. The 40-LFCSP-WQ package includes an exposed thermal pad with low thermal resistance, supporting high-density PCB designs and -40C to +105C automotive temperature grade operation. The AEC-Q100 qualification makes it directly suited for in-vehicle infotainment, active noise cancellation (ANC), and hands-free voice capture platforms.
Typical applications include automotive head units and rear-seat entertainment, microphone-array ANC and road-noise cancellation (RNC) systems, voice capture and beamforming front ends, professional and broadcast audio interfaces, and automotive telematics. The combination of low EMI, AEC-Q100 qualification, and quad-channel integration enables direct connection to differential analog microphone arrays without external anti-alias filtering.
When designing with this device, ensure the 3.3 V analog supply is well-decoupled with low-ESR ceramic capacitors placed close to the AVDD pins, and provide a clean ground reference to preserve the part's >100 dB dynamic range. The exposed pad must be soldered to a sufficiently large ground copper pour for both thermal dissipation and low-impedance ground return.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, structured for both engineers evaluating the part and AI-powered search systems citing it.
Drop-in alternatives for ADAU1978WBCPZ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ADAU1978WBCPZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Architecture, Control Interface, Digital Volume Control, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ADAU1978WBCPZ-RL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADAU1977WBCPZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADAU1772BCPZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADAU1961WBCPZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADAU1978WBCPZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Resolution | 24 bit |
| Sample Rate | 8 kHz to 192 kHz |
| Architecture | Multibit Sigma-Delta with continuous-time front end |
| Input Type | AC-coupled differential, 2 V rms capable |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V (single supply) |
| Control Interface | I2C / SPI |
| Output Formats | Right-justified, left-justified, I2S, TDM |
| Operating Modes | Master and slave |
| Digital Volume Control | Yes, with autoramp |
| Mute | Software-controllable clickless mute |
| Package | 40-LFCSP-WQ (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C (automotive grade) |
| AEC-Q100 | Qualified |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
ADAU1978WBCPZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MICBIAS — Microphone bias supply output |
| Pin 2 | INxP — Differential analog input positive (channel 1) |
| Pin 3 | INxN — Differential analog input negative (channel 1) |
| Pin 4 | AVDD — Analog 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 5 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 6 | INxP — Differential analog input positive (channel 2) |
| Pin 7 | INxN — Differential analog input negative (channel 2) |
| Pin 8 | AVDD — Analog 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 9 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 10 | INxP — Differential analog input positive (channel 3) |
| Pin 11 | INxN — Differential analog input negative (channel 3) |
| Pin 12 | AVDD — Analog 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 13 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 14 | INxP — Differential analog input positive (channel 4) |
| Pin 15 | INxN — Differential analog input negative (channel 4) |
| Pin 16 | AVDD — Analog 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 17 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 18 | DVDD — Digital 3.3 V supply |
| Pin 19 | DVSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 20 | MCLK — Master clock input |
| Pin 21 | LRCLK — Word clock / frame sync |
| Pin 22 | BCLK — Bit clock for serial audio |
| Pin 23 | SDOUT — Serial audio data output |
| Pin 24 | SDIN — Serial audio data input |
| Pin 25 | SCL/SCLK — I2C clock or SPI clock |
| Pin 26 | SDA/MOSI — I2C data or SPI MOSI |
| Pin 27 | ADRO/MISO — I2C address or SPI MISO |
| Pin 28 | GPIO0/INT — GPIO or interrupt output |
| Pin 29 | GPIO1 — General-purpose IO |
| Pin 30 | PD/RST — Power-down / reset input |
| Pin 31 | FILT+ — Positive reference filter capacitor |
| Pin 32 | FILT- — Negative reference filter capacitor |
| Pin 33 | VREF — Voltage reference decoupling |
| Pin 34 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 35 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 36 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 37 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 38 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 39 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 40 | EP — Exposed thermal pad (must be soldered to ground) |
Typical Applications
ADAU1978WBCPZ is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive ANC/RNC Microphone Array, Automotive Head Unit Audio Capture, Voice Capture and Beamforming Front End, Professional Audio Interface, Industrial Acoustic Monitoring, Automotive Telematics and E-Call.
Automotive ANC/RNC Microphone Array
The ADAU1978WBCPZ fits automotive active and road noise cancellation (ANC/RNC) microphone-array front ends because four 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs with continuous-time front end capture up to four differential microphone signals at 48 kHz with >100 dB dynamic range. AEC-Q100 qualification to +105C and the low-EMI continuous-time input architecture allow direct PCB placement near switching power stages without shielding. Placed between the analog mic bias network and the ANC DSP, the four channels feed directly into algorithms such as adaptive LMS filtering. Compared with conventional switched-cap ADCs the part avoids the input-charge glitches that couple into bias rails.
Recommended
Automotive Head Unit Audio Capture
The ADAU1978WBCPZ is used in automotive head units to digitize four analog sources - such as the radio tuner, navigation prompts, hands-free microphone, and external AUX input - into the head-unit DSP. AEC-Q100 grade, single 3.3 V supply, and I2S/TDM output interfaces streamline routing into SoC audio hubs. The 192 kHz maximum sample rate preserves headroom for high-resolution audio playback paths even when the capture path itself runs at 48 kHz. Placed after the audio source select MUX, the part replaces legacy 2-channel codecs and frees PCB area for additional features.
Recommended
Voice Capture and Beamforming Front End
The ADAU1978WBCPZ supports beamforming microphone arrays by capturing four spatially separated analog microphone channels with matched gain and phase response, which is essential for accurate spatial filtering in far-field voice systems. The continuous-time front end reduces input-charge EMI that would otherwise degrade SNR in tightly packed mic arrays. AEC-Q100 grade extends the part from consumer smart speakers into automotive cabin communication and hands-free calling. The TDM output mode aggregates all four channels onto a single data line for direct connection to beamforming DSPs.
Recommended
Professional Audio Interface
The ADAU1978WBCPZ fits 4-channel professional USB audio interfaces where 24-bit resolution and 192 kHz sample rate satisfy recording studio specifications. The continuous-time sigma-delta modulator achieves THD+N below -90 dB, matching the dynamic range of high-end mixing consoles. I2C/SPI control allows host software to adjust input gain, mute, and sample rate without mechanical switches. Placed after the XLR/TRS input conditioning network, the ADC feeds an asynchronous USB audio interface IC such as the ADI ADAU7002 family or a third-party USB audio bridge.
Recommended
Industrial Acoustic Monitoring
The ADAU1978WBCPZ is used in industrial acoustic monitoring systems that detect anomalies in rotating machinery, valves, or compressed-air networks. Four channels allow simultaneous sampling from multiple sensors without time skew, which is essential for source localization. AEC-Q100 grade enables deployment in factory environments with high ambient temperature. The wide 8-192 kHz sample-rate range supports both sub-audio vibration analysis and ultrasonic leak detection on a single platform. Placed at the sensor cluster, the ADC streams TDM data to an industrial DSP or FPGA for spectral analysis.
Recommended
Automotive Telematics and E-Call
The ADAU1978WBCPZ supports automotive telematics and eCall systems by capturing hands-free microphone audio and emergency-call voice prompts for cellular transmission. AEC-Q100 qualification and the +105C maximum operating temperature ensure operation in cabin environments under direct sunlight. The four channels allow simultaneous monitoring of multiple microphones for noise-robust voice pickup. The I2C control interface shares the existing telematics MCU bus without adding GPIO pins. Placed near the telematics control unit, the ADC feeds compressed voice streams over 4G/5G modem links.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ADAU1978WBCPZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ADAU1978WBCPZ-RL | ADAU1977WBCPZ | ADAU1772BCPZ | ADAU1961WBCPZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Package | 40-LFCSP-WQ (6x6) | 40-LFCSP-WQ (6x6) - same | 40-LFCSP-WQ (6x6) - same | 40-LFCSP-WQ (6x6) - same | 40-LFCSP-WQ (6x6) - same |
| Number of ADC Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 (DAC only) |
| DAC Channels | 0 (ADC only) | 0 (ADC only) | 0 (ADC only) | 4 (codec) | 12 |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive Grade | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Control Interface | I2C / SPI | I2C / SPI | I2C / SPI | I2C / SPI | I2C / SPI |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C |
Key Differentiators
- Continuous-time front end reduces EMI susceptibility vs switched-cap competitors (vs ADAU1977WBCPZ)
- Adds 192 kHz maximum sample rate for high-resolution audio capture (vs ADAU1977WBCPZ)
- ADC-only architecture optimizes BOM and PCB area for capture-only designs (vs ADAU1772BCPZ)
Design Notes
Place 10uF and 0.1uF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to each AVDD and DVDD pin pair, with the 0.1uF cap on the same layer to minimize loop inductance. The exposed thermal pad (EP) MUST be soldered to a contiguous ground copper pour of at least 25 mm^2 on the top layer, with thermal vias connecting to internal ground planes for both thermal dissipation and low-impedance ground return. Without proper EP soldering the package thermal resistance rises significantly and EMI performance degrades.
Route the analog input traces as 100-ohm differential pairs from the microphone connector to the INxP/INxN pins, keeping them short and isolated from the digital MCLK, BCLK, and LRCLK traces by a continuous ground pour. Place the microphone bias filter capacitor directly at the MICBIAS pin. The continuous-time front end is less EMI-sensitive than switched-cap designs but still benefits from clean analog layout - avoid routing analog signals near switching regulator or Class-D amplifier outputs.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum analog input voltage; the 2 V rms differential input assumes proper AC coupling capacitors at each input pin. Verify that the MCLK frequency matches the selected sample-rate configuration in the ADAU1978 register map (per datasheet PLL configuration table); an incorrect MCLK causes the serial audio output to be garbled even though the device appears to respond to I2C/SPI commands. The PD/RST pin must be held low for at least 1 ms after DVDD reaches 3.3 V for proper initialization.
Estimated: at 25C ambient with all four ADCs active at 192 kHz, the ADAU1978WBCPZ consumes approximately 250 mW from the 3.3 V supply. With a properly soldered 40-LFCSP-WQ exposed pad and at least 25 mm^2 of top-layer ground copper, junction temperature rise above ambient is approximately 10-15C, well within the +105C automotive grade. Without the EP ground connection, junction temperature can exceed the maximum rating and trigger thermal shutdown.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 automotive qualified per Arrow Electronics catalog entry. RoHS and REACH compliance per Analog Devices product page. Halogen-free status not explicitly confirmed in the verified data - left as 'unknown' per Data Authenticity Rules.
