AK5574EN - 32-Bit 768 kHz 4-Channel Audio ADC | AKM
MPN: AK5574EN ✓ ActiveAK5574EN Overview
An audio ADC is a specialized data-converter IC that converts four analog audio channels into digital PCM or DSD data for processing by a DSP, receiver, recorder, or mixer. The AK5574EN belongs to the delta-sigma ADC family within the broader ADC and DAC product hierarchy, combining multichannel conversion, digital filtering, clocking, and serial audio interfaces in one device.
Key features include 32-bit conversion, a maximum sampling frequency of 768 kHz, four differential inputs, 121 dB dynamic range, and 112 dB signal-to-noise-plus-distortion performance. According to the Asahi Kasei Microdevices product page, the converter maintains low power-consumption performance while supporting selectable digital filters. The exposed thermal pad provides the primary thermal and electrical connection to the PCB.
The AK5574EN supports multiple digital interfaces, including I2S-compatible and TDM audio formats, with the digital interface selected through configuration pins. Its serial data uses MSB-first, two's-complement representation. DSD capability extends the converter beyond conventional PCM operation, making it applicable to high-resolution audio equipment where DSD playback or recording is required.
Typical applications include professional digital mixers, multichannel recorders, studio monitoring equipment, broadcast consoles, high-end digital audio interfaces, and DSP-based audio systems. The four-channel architecture reduces the number of converters required when multiple balanced analog inputs must be digitized simultaneously.
When designing around the AK5574EN, place the exposed pad according to the manufacturer datasheet and provide the required analog, digital, and ground-plane connections. The device's performance depends on clean analog input routing, appropriate clocking, supported interface configuration, and careful separation of sensitive analog signals from digital return currents.
Drop-in alternatives for AK5574EN — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
AK5574
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AK6250SE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AK6204SE
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AK5574EN-T
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AK5574EN-R
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AK5574EN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 4-channel differential audio A/D converter |
| Converter Resolution | 32 bit |
| Maximum Sampling Frequency | 768 kHz |
| Number of Analog Input Channels | 4 channels |
| Input Configuration | Differential input |
| Dynamic Range | 121 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Plus Distortion | 112 dB |
| DSD Output Support | Up to 11.2 MHz |
| Digital Interface | TDM audio format; I2S-compatible serial audio |
| Digital Filter | Four selectable types |
| Channel Summation | Supported |
| Power-Down Mode | Supported |
| Package | 48-QFN, 7 mm × 7 mm |
| Package Pitch | 0.5 mm |
| Exposed Thermal Pad | Yes; open or connected to ground |
| Serial Data Format | MSB-first, 2's complement |
AK5574EN 0.5 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for AK5574EN (0.5 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 AK5574EN.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
AK5574EN is suitable for 6 applications: Professional Digital Mixer, Multichannel Studio Recorder, High-End Audio Interface, Broadcast Audio Console, DSP-Based Digital Speaker, Digital Musical Instrument.
Professional Digital Mixer
The AK5574EN fits a professional digital mixer because it converts four balanced analog inputs while supporting 32-bit resolution and sampling rates up to 768 kHz. Its 121 dB dynamic range and 112 dB S/(N+D) preserve low-level program material while the four selectable digital filters let the system tailor conversion bandwidth and sound-quality preferences. TDM output can carry the multichannel stream to a DSP, reducing parallel data routing and supporting synchronized mixing architecture.
Recommended
Multichannel Studio Recorder
The AK5574EN supports a four-channel multichannel recorder with simultaneous differential conversion at up to 768 kHz. The 121 dB dynamic range is useful when capturing quiet acoustic instruments, while 112 dB S/(N+D) helps maintain low noise and distortion across the recording chain. Channel summation provides an additional system-level option for improving dynamic-range performance, and TDM connectivity simplifies transfer to a recording DSP.
Recommended
High-End Audio Interface
The AK5574EN is appropriate for a high-end digital audio interface requiring four balanced inputs, 32-bit conversion, and high-resolution PCM or DSD operation. Its differential input architecture supports professional balanced connections, while the 768 kHz maximum rate provides oversampling headroom. DSD output support up to 11.2 MHz expands the design beyond conventional PCM, and the selectable filters help balance noise, bandwidth, and the intended sound-character preference.
Recommended
Broadcast Audio Console
The AK5574EN can serve as the front-end converter in a broadcast console requiring multiple balanced analog channels and a digital DSP interface. Its four differential ADC channels support simultaneous conversion, while 121 dB dynamic range and 112 dB S/(N+D) provide a strong noise-floor foundation for production and monitoring paths. The TDM interface and configurable clocking are valuable for integrating the converter into a larger broadcast processing system.
Recommended
DSP-Based Digital Speaker
The AK5574EN fits a DSP-based digital speaker or networked active-speaker design that accepts balanced analog input and converts it to a digital stream. Four differential channels can serve multiway or multi-zone audio, while the 32-bit converter supports high-resolution source material. TDM output allows the ADC to feed a dedicated audio DSP, and the 11.2 MHz DSD capability supports designs intended to preserve high-resolution direct-stream audio.
Recommended
Digital Musical Instrument
The AK5574EN can support high-resolution digital musical instruments, synthesis workstations, and multi-output recording interfaces. Four differential inputs are useful for capturing multiple instrument or effect channels simultaneously, while 121 dB dynamic range benefits low-level acoustic and electric sources. The converter's flexible digital filters and TDM interface allow the analog front end to integrate with a DSP architecture without relying on separate converters for every channel.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AK5574EN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AK5574 | AK6250SE | AK6204SE | AK5574EN-T | AK5574EN-R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 48-QFN (7 mm × 7 mm) | 48-QFN (7 mm × 7 mm) | 48-QFN (7 mm × 7 mm) | 48-QFN (7 mm × 7 mm) | 48-QFN (7 mm × 7 mm) | 48-QFN (7 mm × 7 mm) |
| Brand | Asahi Kasei Microdevices | Asahi Kasei Microdevices | Asahi Kasei Microdevices | Asahi Kasei Microdevices | Asahi Kasei Microdevices | Asahi Kasei Microdevices |
| Input Channels | 4 differential channels | 4 differential channels | 4 channels | 4 channels | 4 differential channels | 4 differential channels |
Key Differentiators
- High-resolution multichannel conversion (vs AK6250SE)
- DSD output capability (vs AK6204SE)
- Documented digital system features (vs AK5574)
Design Notes
Route each differential input as a tightly coupled pair and keep the analog and digital ground returns separated until the device's ground reference is established. The verified material specifies a 48-QFN package with a 0.5 mm pitch and an exposed pad that may be open or connected to ground. Follow the manufacturer layout and exposed-pad guidance exactly; the supplied snippets do not provide the complete component pin table or recommended via array.
Decouple the AK5574EN's analog and digital supplies at the package pins, keeping the loop formed by each capacitor and its associated power pin as short as practical. Separate high-current digital return paths from the analog input area, and use a continuous ground reference rather than fragmented plane geometry. Specific capacitor values, voltage tolerances, and supply-rail requirements were not present in the supplied data and must be taken from the manufacturer datasheet.
Configure the TDM1-0, MSN, and DIF1-0 pins for the interface required by the receiving DSP, and verify clock polarity, data delay, frame width, and channel alignment before bringing up the audio path. The AK5574EN supports multiple audio interface formats and uses MSB-first, two's-complement serial data. Incorrect format configuration can produce apparently active channels with scrambled phase or sample alignment even when the converter itself is operating correctly.
Do not assume that a converter advertised as a similar four-channel ADC is drop-in compatible. The cross-reference results identify AK6250SE and AK6204SE as similar devices, but they do not establish the 48-QFN footprint, pin mapping, clock requirements, supply levels, interface modes, or DSD capabilities. Verify the complete ordering table and pin descriptions for any substitute, especially if the original board layout cannot be changed.
Compliance Information
The supplied web results do not explicitly state the AK5574EN's RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. No compliance claim should be inferred solely from the distributor listings.
