AK4120VF - 20-Bit 48 kHz Audio SRC | Asahi Kasei
MPN: AK4120VF ✓ ActiveAK4120VF Overview
A sample-rate converter, commonly abbreviated SRC, is an interface IC that converts audio samples from one sampling frequency to another. In the product hierarchy, an SRC sits between a digital audio interface and a clock-conversion function; unlike a general-purpose codec, the converter concentrates on format-compatible rate conversion, clocking, and associated mixing or gain control rather than performing analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog conversion. This distinction is important when selecting an SRC for a consumer, broadcast, automotive, or industrial audio system.
The AK4120VF combines a 20-bit converter with a mixer and volume control in one device. These functions allow adjacent digital audio paths to be combined and level-adjusted before or during rate conversion, reducing the need for separate digital mixer packages in designs where routing flexibility is required. The converter is specified for sample rates from 8 kHz through 96 kHz and uses a 24-LSSOP, also identified by distributors as 24-VSOP, measuring approximately 0.220 inch by 0.220 inch in body width.
The 2.7 V to 3.6 V operating supply supports integration with low-voltage digital audio systems. The verified operating temperature range is -40 °C to +85 °C, covering industrial temperature conditions. Its 24-pin surface-mount format is suited to compact audio boards where a through-hole package would be impractical.
Typical uses include digital audio distribution, clock-domain adaptation between source and destination equipment, consumer audio receivers, broadcast and professional audio equipment, and automotive infotainment subsystems. When using the device, the system clock tree and digital audio interface format must be configured consistently with the manufacturer data sheet. Decoupling should follow the application circuit and layout guidance in that document rather than generic assumptions.
This page consolidates the verified package, electrical-supply, resolution, sample-rate, temperature, and commercial-availability information into an engineering-oriented reference. It also distinguishes same-family AKM alternatives from a verified drop-in claim and flags pricing and detailed pin-level information that were not present in the supplied source data.
Drop-in alternatives for AK4120VF — 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 AK4120VF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package.
AK4120
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AK4121
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AK4122
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AK4124
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AK4125VF
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →AK4120VF Specifications
| Function | Audio sample-rate converter with mixer and volume |
| Converter Resolution | 20 bit |
| Nominal Sample Rate | 48 kHz |
| Operating Sample Rate Range | 8 kHz to 96 kHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Package | 24-VSOP |
| Package Type | 24-LSSOP, 0.220 inch body width |
| Package Width | 0.220 inch (5.60 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Channel Configuration | 1 channel |
| Integrated Functions | Sample-rate converter, mixer, and volume control |
| Manufacturer | Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM |
AK4120VF 0.220 inch (5.60 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for AK4120VF (0.220 inch (5.60 mm) package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for AK4120VF.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
AK4120VF is suitable for 6 applications: Digital Audio Clock-Domain Adaptation, Consumer Audio Receiver Routing, Broadcast and Professional Audio Distribution, Automotive Infotainment Audio Adaptation, Digital Audio Mixing and Level Control, Multi-Rate Digital Audio Product Platform.
Digital Audio Clock-Domain Adaptation
The AK4120VF fits digital audio systems whose source and destination paths do not share a common sample rate. Its verified 8 kHz to 96 kHz operating range allows a 48 kHz-class signal to be translated into another compatible rate without requiring a full analog codec. The device is placed between compatible digital audio interfaces, with the system clock tree configured for the required input and output rates. Because the converter includes mixer and volume functions, two digital paths can also be combined and level-adjusted before conversion. Designers should confirm interface format, master-clock requirements, filter configuration, and supported rates against the manufacturer data sheet.
Recommended
Consumer Audio Receiver Routing
The AK4120VF is suitable for digital audio routing in a consumer receiver where incoming streams require rate conversion before reaching a common processing bus. Its 20-bit resolution supports modern digital audio paths, while the integrated mixer and volume functions can consolidate or attenuate signals without a separate mixer stage. The 2.7 V to 3.6 V operating range suits low-voltage receiver electronics. Implementation requires a compatible digital interface, a stable system clock, and the decoupling arrangement shown in the manufacturer application circuit. Firmware or hardware configuration should never be assumed to transfer from another AK412x part.
Recommended
Broadcast and Professional Audio Distribution
The AK4120VF can support digital audio distribution equipment that must reconcile sample rates between professional sources, processing engines, and playback paths. Its 8 kHz to 96 kHz range covers common broadcast and studio rates, while the mixer and volume functions provide local path combination and attenuation. The -40 °C to +85 °C operating range suits temperature-controlled indoor equipment. For mission-critical audio paths, engineers should evaluate filter characteristics, clock-jitter performance, supported digital formats, latency, and error handling from the data sheet rather than relying only on nominal resolution and sample-rate figures.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment Audio Adaptation
The AK4120VF can be evaluated for automotive infotainment subsystems that combine audio sources operating at different digital sample rates. Its integrated mixer and volume functions are useful when multiple source domains must be routed before conversion, while its -40 °C to +85 °C rating covers common ambient conditions. Automotive deployment requires more than temperature-range compliance: designers must verify AEC-Q100 qualification, orderable-grade status, PPAP documentation, supply continuity, and electromagnetic performance for the complete design. The part should not be treated as automotive-qualified until these items are confirmed with AKM.
Recommended
Digital Audio Mixing and Level Control
The AK4120VF is useful where digital audio channels must be combined and attenuated as part of a conversion stage. Its integrated mixer and volume functions avoid a separate level-adjustment stage for suitable architectures, while 20-bit processing retains digital headroom. The device can sit near the digital audio routing layer, but its clocking must remain aligned with the upstream interface and downstream converter. Designers should use the manufacturer mixer and volume-control guidance to define routing, scaling, and mute behavior. Exact gain range, attenuation resolution, and channel-mixing limits require confirmation from the full data sheet.
Recommended
Multi-Rate Digital Audio Product Platform
The AK4120VF supports a reusable platform architecture in which one digital audio subsystem must accept several standard sample rates. Its 8 kHz to 96 kHz range covers voice, compact-disc, CD-derived 44.1 kHz, and 48 kHz-class domains, enabling rate adaptation before shared processing. The 20-bit resolution and mixer functions make it suitable for central routing hubs in receivers, media systems, and network audio equipment. The implementation should preserve clock cleanliness, isolate converter grounds according to the application circuit, and define fail-safe behavior if the source rate is unsupported or the master clock disappears.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AK4120VF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AK4120 | AK4121 | AK4122 | AK4124 | AK4125VF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Asahi Kasei Microdevices | Asahi Kasei Microdevices | Asahi Kasei Microdevices | Asahi Kasei Microdevices | Asahi Kasei Microdevices | Asahi Kasei Microdevices |
| Package | 24-VSOP | 24-VSOP | 24-VSOP | 24-VSOP | 24-VSOP | 24-VSOP |
| Function | Sample-rate converter with mixer and volume | Sample-rate converter | Sample-rate converter family variant | Sample-rate converter family variant | Sample-rate converter family variant | Sample-rate converter family variant |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated mixer and volume functions alongside rate conversion (vs AK4120)
- Direct 48 kHz-class audio use (vs AK4121)
- Broad 8 kHz to 96 kHz operating range (vs AK4122)
- Compact 24-VSOP implementation (vs AK4125VF)
Design Notes
Design the AK4120VF power rails around its verified 2.7 V to 3.6 V supply range and use the decoupling network shown in the manufacturer application circuit. Place bulk and high-frequency capacitors at the device pins rather than at the regulator, and route supply and ground returns over uninterrupted planes. Because the converter mixes digital audio signals, clock jitter and supply noise can propagate into the output even when the nominal resolution is 20 bits. Verify startup sequencing, voltage tolerances, and clock-supply relationships in the full data sheet before releasing the power tree.
Follow the AK4120VF manufacturer PCB layout and application circuit for the 24-VSOP footprint, including any exposed-pad or thermal-via requirement. Keep digital clock and audio traces short, maintain continuous reference planes, and separate noisy switching or processor clocks from the converter inputs. The complete pin table and land pattern were not present in the supplied search results, so they must be checked against the manufacturer PDF rather than reconstructed from a generic SSOP drawing. This is especially important because VSOP is narrower than some generic SOIC libraries.
Do not treat another AK412x model as a guaranteed drop-in merely because it is in the same converter family. Compare digital interface mode, master-clock source, supported sample rates, filter configuration, register behavior, pin assignment, and exposed-pad connection before substitution. The AK4120VF integrates mixer and volume functions, so replacing it with a related converter that omits those blocks can require both PCB and firmware changes. Likewise, the supplied results identify distributor availability but no authoritative lifecycle statement or fixed lead time; verify current production status and sourcing before a volume commitment.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified results do not state RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. The -40 °C to +85 °C operating-temperature range does not by itself establish AEC-Q100 automotive qualification.
