AK4490EQ - 32-Bit 768kHz 2-Channel Audio DAC | AKM
MPN: AK4490EQ ✗ End of LifeAK4490EQ Overview
An audio DAC is a signal-conversion integrated circuit that transforms digital PCM or DSD audio data into an analog voltage suitable for amplifiers, preamplifiers, headphones, and powered speakers. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, the AK4490EQ is a delta-sigma DAC, an audio data-converter IC, and a member of the power-management-adjacent signal-chain ecosystem. Its dual-channel architecture supports balanced stereo output while preserving very low distortion and wide dynamic range.
The AK4490EQ includes the OSR Doubler switched-capacitor filter, allowing operation across a broad range of source signals while reducing out-of-band noise and supporting a low-power design. Its five selectable digital filters provide different combinations of noise shaping, attenuation, and group delay. Differential outputs help reject common-mode noise when implemented with a balanced analog output network. The 768 kHz PCM and DSD capabilities make the device suitable for high-resolution playback systems.
Its digital and analog core supply range is 3.0 V to 3.6 V, while the stated analog supply range is 4.75 V to 7.2 V. Separate digital and analog rails reduce the likelihood that converter activity and switching noise will contaminate the analog output stage. Exact performance depends strongly on the external clock, reconstruction-filter implementation, analog supply quality, reference arrangement, PCB grounding, and output-stage design.
Typical applications include network music players, USB and I2S audio interfaces, high-resolution headphone DACs, digital preamplifiers, professional studio monitors, and premium home-audio streamers. Its 2-channel architecture suits stereo rather than multichannel surround conversion. Engineers evaluating it for multichannel systems should verify the available channels, digital interface format, clocking requirements, and supported sampling mode against their system requirements.
The most important design consideration is the analog supply and output stage. Use low-noise, low-impedance rails, place decoupling capacitors close to the supply pins, keep the analog and digital return currents separated where practical, and follow the manufacturer layout guidance. Because the AK4490EQ is reported as discontinued, new production designs should also evaluate the manufacturer-recommended AK4490REQ transition part after confirming its electrical and pin compatibility.
This page consolidates verified distributor availability, the manufacturer datasheet, transition information, and application-specific engineering guidance. It distinguishes verified facts from unspecified parameters and avoids presenting unverified replacement parts as drop-in alternatives.
Drop-in alternatives for AK4490EQ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
AK4490REQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AK4490EQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Converter Type | Stereo audio digital-to-analog converter |
| DAC Resolution | 32 bit |
| Number of Channels | 2 channels |
| Maximum PCM Sampling Rate | 768 kHz |
| DSD Support | Supported |
| Digital Audio Interface | I2S |
| Analog Output Configuration | Differential analog outputs |
| Digital Filter Options | 5 programmable 32-bit digital filters |
| Minimum Stated Filter Group Delay | 5.3/fs |
| Dynamic Range | 120 dB |
| Digital and Analog Core Supply Range | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Analog Supply Range | 4.75 V to 7.2 V |
| Reconstruction Filter Technology | OSR Doubler switched-capacitor filter |
| Package | 48-LQFP (7 mm × 7 mm) |
| Pin Count | 48 pins |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
AK4490EQ 48-lqfp (7 mm × 7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for AK4490EQ (48-lqfp (7 mm × 7 mm) 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 AK4490EQ.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
AK4490EQ is suitable for 6 applications: High-Resolution Network Music Player, USB and I2S Audio Interface, Premium Headphone DAC, Digital Stereo Preamplifier, Professional Studio Monitor, Digital Audio Reference System.
High-Resolution Network Music Player
The AK4490EQ fits a high-resolution network player because it accepts I2S digital audio and supports 32-bit PCM operation up to 768 kHz as well as DSD playback. Its two-channel differential output structure provides a useful starting point for a balanced stereo output stage. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the OSR Doubler switched-capacitor filter supports a wide range of source signals while reducing out-of-band noise. The principal design consideration is clock and power implementation: the converter needs clean 3.0 V to 3.6 V core supplies and a 4.75 V to 7.2 V analog rail. Its 120 dB dynamic range makes it particularly appropriate for premium streamers, although end-to-end fidelity also depends on the source, transport interface, analog reconstruction circuitry, and output-stage topology.
Recommended
USB and I2S Audio Interface
The AK4490EQ is suitable for the conversion stage of a USB or I2S audio interface because it supports I2S, 32-bit audio, DSD, and sampling rates through 768 kHz. Differential analog outputs can feed a balanced output driver while reducing susceptibility to shared ground noise. The manufacturer datasheet identifies five programmable 32-bit digital filters, with group delay reported as low as 5.3/fs, allowing the host interface to select an appropriate noise and latency compromise. Engineers must still design a stable master clock path, isolate noisy USB or network circuitry, and provide low-impedance supplies. The verified 3.0 V to 3.6 V core range and 4.75 V to 7.2 V analog range should be followed with the exact capacitor and routing recommendations in the manufacturer documentation.
Recommended
Premium Headphone DAC
The AK4490EQ can serve as the converter in a premium headphone DAC when the design requires high-resolution PCM or DSD playback from a 32-bit stereo source. Its differential outputs are valuable for driving a balanced headphone amplifier, while the stated 120 dB dynamic range provides ample headroom for quiet passages. The five selectable digital filters allow system-level optimization for either noise reduction or lower group delay, with the lowest stated delay identified as 5.3/fs in the manufacturer datasheet. A practical implementation still needs a carefully balanced output network, clean analog rails, and careful ground partitioning. Headphone amplifier selection is as important as the DAC itself because impedance, output-current capability, distortion, and noise can dominate the audible or measured result.
Recommended
Digital Stereo Preamplifier
The AK4490EQ is appropriate for a digital stereo preamplifier because it combines a two-channel architecture with support for 32-bit PCM, 768 kHz operation, DSD, and differential outputs. A digital control system can use the host processor to select among the five programmable filters and route volume control outside the converter, preserving the DAC's low-noise conversion stage. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the 120 dB dynamic range supports high-fidelity reproduction of wide-ranging source material. The converter should be positioned behind the final digital volume and routing stage when the architecture permits. Analog output filtering, relay or electronic muting, clock isolation, and power sequencing must be designed around the manufacturer's reference circuit rather than inferred from generic high-resolution-DAC layouts.
Recommended
Professional Studio Monitor
The AK4490EQ can be used in a professional stereo studio monitor when the system requires high-resolution PCM or DSD conversion, low distortion, and a wide dynamic range. The differential analog outputs provide a flexible foundation for balanced and unbalanced monitor-driver interfaces. Its OSR Doubler filter is intended to maintain low out-of-band noise across a wide range of supported signals, which is valuable in monitoring systems where reconstruction-filter behavior affects the final output spectrum. The 3.0 V to 3.6 V core supply and 4.75 V to 7.2 V analog rail should be implemented with low-noise regulators and local decoupling. Studio-monitor performance also depends on the active crossover, output drivers, speaker loading, mechanical isolation, and synchronized digital routing, none of which can be inferred from the converter specifications alone.
Recommended
Digital Audio Reference System
The AK4490EQ is well suited to a digital audio reference system designed around measurable channel separation, low distortion, and high-resolution playback. Its differential outputs and dual-channel structure support careful analog instrumentation, while the five selectable filters let engineers compare attenuation and latency behavior using the same digital source. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the converter supports PCM rates through 768 kHz and DSD, making it useful for evaluating source quality and filter tradeoffs. Verification should include THD plus noise, dynamic range, channel separation, clock jitter sensitivity, and output common-mode behavior. Because several of those numerical limits were not available in the supplied verified snippets, engineers should extract them directly from the manufacturer datasheet before setting production acceptance limits.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AK4490EQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AK4490REQ |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Asahi Kasei Microdevices | Asahi Kasei Microdevices |
| Lifecycle Status | Discontinued | Manufacturer-recommended redesigned transition part |
Key Differentiators
- Documented same-brand transition path (vs AK4490REQ)
- High-resolution DSD-capable stereo conversion (vs AK4490REQ)
- Five filter modes for latency and noise optimization (vs AK4490REQ)
Design Notes
Use the verified 3.0 V to 3.6 V core-supply range and 4.75 V to 7.2 V analog-supply range from the manufacturer datasheet. The separate domains should be supplied with low-noise regulators and local high-frequency decoupling. Keep the DAC analog return path separate from digital and switching-converter currents until they converge at the appropriate power entry point. A generic divider or laboratory supply may make laboratory checks possible, but it will not reproduce the low-noise rail conditions needed for credible dynamic-range measurements.
Follow the manufacturer reference layout for the 48-LQFP device, paying particular attention to analog-output routing, clock inputs, digital interfaces, and decoupling placement. Keep the digital I2S and clock traces away from the differential analog outputs, use a continuous ground reference where directed by the datasheet, and avoid routing high-current return paths beneath sensitive nodes. Because the supplied web data does not expose the complete pin table, engineers must use the official 48-LQFP symbol and layout guidance rather than deriving connections from a generic pinout drawing.
Treat the master clock and I2S lines as high-speed digital signals even when they carry audio-rate data. Use short, impedance-controlled routes, minimize unnecessary stubs, provide suitable source termination where required by the system timing, and keep clock jitter low. Select the digital filter according to the required noise-versus-latency balance: the manufacturer datasheet lists five programmable 32-bit filters and group delay as low as 5.3/fs. Changing filter modes also changes signal handling, so validate both mode transitions and steady-state output performance.
Do not assume that any premium DAC with similar resolution and sample-rate claims is a physical replacement for the AK4490EQ. The verified cross-reference data supports the AK4490REQ transition path but does not establish a pin-compatible cross-brand substitute. Before releasing a replacement design, compare the complete pin table, exposed-pad requirements, digital interface, clocking, register addresses, filter modes, supply sequencing, analog outputs, and footprint. For maintenance purchases, also verify manufacturer traceability because the original AK4490EQ is reported as discontinued.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified web results do not explicitly state RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. AEC-Q100 status was not provided, and the device is not presented as an automotive-qualified product.
