AK4388VT - 24-Bit 192kHz Stereo DAC | Asahi Kasei
MPN: AK4388VT ✗ End of LifeAK4388VT Overview
A DAC is a digital-to-analog converter, a category of audio signal-conversion IC that transforms digital audio samples into an analog voltage suitable for headphone, line-level, or power-amplifier inputs. Within the broader product hierarchy, the AK4388VT belongs to the ADC/DAC class of integrated circuits and supports digital-audio signal chains that require simultaneous conversion of two channels.
The AK4388's headline capabilities are 24-bit resolution, a maximum sampling frequency of 192kHz, and two-channel output. These specifications make the converter suitable for hi-fi playback, home-theater equipment, digital mixing, USB audio interfaces, and powered speakers. The dual-channel architecture allows left and right program channels to be converted through one integrated device while retaining a compact surface-mount footprint.
AKM's multibit modulator architecture is intended to balance dynamic range, linearity, and implementation cost. Unlike a simple binary-weighted converter, a multibit approach can reduce quantization-related distortion and support improved THD+N performance. The AK4388 is therefore positioned between basic consumer converters and more specialized audio DACs used in high-end measurement equipment.
Typical applications include consumer hi-fi playback, compact home-theater systems, active speakers, digital audio mixers, and multi-channel audio products with stereo output stages. In these systems, the converter accepts interleaved digital audio data and produces left and right analog outputs. The host processor or audio interface must supply a compatible digital interface, while the analog section must provide appropriate filtering, grounding, and output amplification.
The primary design consideration is matching the digital interface, clocking, and analog implementation to the manufacturer's application guidance. Keep power and ground connections short, place decoupling capacitors close to the device, and use a clean low-noise supply because converter performance can be affected by clock jitter, reference quality, PCB return paths, and analog-output loading.
This product page organizes the verified AK4388VT characteristics, sourcing information, design guidance, application context, and compatibility limitations into one engineering reference. It also distinguishes confirmed device identity from parameters that require consultation of the manufacturer datasheet before schematic release or production qualification.
Drop-in alternatives for AK4388VT — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesAK4388VT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Converter Type | Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) |
| Maximum Sampling Frequency | 192kHz |
| Bit Resolution | 24-bit |
| Channel Count | 2 channels |
| Modulator Architecture | Multibit architecture |
| Signal Type | Digital audio |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR) |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
AK4388VT standard Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for AK4388VT (standard package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for AK4388VT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
AK4388VT is suitable for 6 applications: Hi-Fi Digital Audio Player, Powered Speaker USB Audio Interface, Home-Theater Stereo Output Stage, Digital Audio Mixer, Digital Audio Adapter for Active Speakers, Legacy Audio Product Revalidation.
Hi-Fi Digital Audio Player
The AK4388VT fits a stereo hi-fi playback path where a 192kHz sampling rate and 24-bit digital audio must be converted to a left/right analog pair. According to the manufacturer datasheet, its multibit modulator architecture is designed to provide a wide dynamic range while preserving linearity and improving THD+N performance. Place it after the digital audio source and before the analog volume-control or power-amplifier stage. The implementation should include clean supply decoupling, low-jitter clocking, and the filtering network specified by the manufacturer application circuit.
Recommended
Powered Speaker USB Audio Interface
A USB audio interface can use the AK4388VT to generate two analog channels for a compact powered-speaker system. Its verified 24-bit, 192kHz capability supports high-resolution playback, while the two-channel architecture avoids duplicating the converter for stereo operation. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the multibit modulator emphasizes dynamic range, linearity, and THD+N performance for cost-sensitive audio systems. The host USB controller must deliver compatible audio data and clocking, and the analog path should use the manufacturer's recommended filtering and grounding arrangement.
Recommended
Home-Theater Stereo Output Stage
The AK4388VT is suitable for the final stereo DAC stage of a home-theater receiver or digital media device supporting 192kHz content. Its two-channel conversion supports separate left and right outputs, while 24-bit processing preserves high-resolution source information. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the device combines a multibit modulator with a focus on wide dynamic range and linearity for improved THD+N performance. Design the surrounding analog path around the manufacturer's output circuitry and provide a low-noise supply to preserve the usable signal quality.
Recommended
Digital Audio Mixer
In a compact digital mixer, the AK4388VT can convert the final stereo mix from the digital processing engine into an analog monitoring output. The 192kHz maximum sampling frequency supports high-rate multichannel source formats before downsampling or channel selection, and the two outputs map naturally to left and right monitoring channels. According to the manufacturer datasheet, AKM's multibit architecture is intended to balance dynamic range and linearity with implementation cost. The design must account for synchronization, clock jitter, output filtering, and the amplifier chosen for the mixer.
Recommended
Digital Audio Adapter for Active Speakers
The AK4388VT can form the stereo conversion section of a digital input module intended to drive active speakers. Its 24-bit resolution and 192kHz capability suit high-resolution music sources, while the integrated two-channel arrangement supports a compact board layout. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the multibit modulator is designed to preserve linearity and improve THD+N performance in cost-sensitive audio products. The adapter still needs a stable master clock, decoupled analog supplies, output protection, and a power amplifier matched to the selected speaker impedance.
Recommended
Legacy Audio Product Revalidation
The AK4388VT is useful for revalidating an existing audio design where the exact converter, analog topology, and board footprint are already established. Its verified identity as a 24-bit, 192kHz, two-channel DAC allows engineers to reproduce the original signal path without an unintended architecture change. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the device's multibit modulator emphasizes dynamic range, linearity, and improved THD+N performance. Because the lifecycle status is uncertain, revalidation should also confirm availability, traceability, package drawing, pin functions, and temperature requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AK4388VT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product |
|---|---|
| Brand | Asahi Kasei Microdevices |
| Converter Type | Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) |
| Bit Resolution | 24-bit |
| Maximum Sampling Frequency | 192kHz |
| Channel Count | 2 channels |
| Modulator Architecture | Multibit architecture |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- High-resolution stereo conversion in a single two-channel device (vs AK4388ET)
- Multibit architecture designed around audio linearity (vs Generic binary stereo DAC)
- Exact tape-and-reel ordering identity (vs AK4388 family variants)
Design Notes
Use the manufacturer datasheet's pin-description and application circuit as the authority for AK4388VT placement. Keep digital-interface traces away from analog outputs, route the two analog channels symmetrically where practical, and place bypass and filtering components close to their designated pins. Do not infer the package land pattern from the tape-and-reel description alone. Confirm pad dimensions, exposed or thermal features, pin numbering, and solder-mask requirements against the package drawing before PCB release.
Separate analog and digital supply treatment according to the manufacturer application guidance, and keep both return paths continuous under the converter. The AK4388VT's 24-bit, 192kHz conversion capability can be undermined by supply noise or clock instability even when the audio data path is correct. Verify capacitor types, voltage ratings, effective capacitance, and placement from the datasheet. A low-noise supply and short decoupling path are especially important when the converter drives a high-gain analog input stage.
Treat master-clock and digital-audio routing as a high-speed digital interface even though the device is categorized as an audio converter. Use short, continuous clock traces, avoid unnecessary stubs, and keep the converter close to the audio source when clock jitter could affect performance. Confirm supported input formats, clock ratios, and data alignment from the manufacturer datasheet. For analog outputs, use the specified reconstruction or smoothing network rather than assuming a generic RC filter will preserve the advertised dynamic range and THD+N performance.
Do not approve AK4388VT or a substitute solely from the shared 24-bit, 192kHz, two-channel description. Verify pin functions, supply rails, digital interface, clocking, analog output configuration, operating temperature, package, and packing suffix against the manufacturer documentation. This is particularly important because the AK4388ET suffix is associated with the same family, while one listing marks AK4388VT as obsolete. Procurement and engineering review should use the exact ordering information to prevent a footprint or lifecycle mismatch.
Compliance Information
No specific RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declaration was identified for AK4388VT. AEC-Q100 is not applicable because this is a consumer or professional audio converter rather than an automotive-qualified device.
