CS4297-JQ AC'97 Stereo Audio Codec | Cirrus Logic | PC
MPN: CS4297-JQ ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
CS4297-JQ Overview
An audio codec is a mixed-signal semiconductor that converts digital audio data into analog signals and accepts analog inputs for digital processing. In the product hierarchy, the CS4297-JQ is an audio codec and audio modulator, belonging to the broader interface IC and semiconductor categories. Its legacy AC'97 interface connects a host audio controller to external codec and speaker circuitry in PC sound-card architectures.
The verified product data identifies the CS4297-JQ as an AC'97 1.03-compatible stereo codec with two channels. Its package is specified as 48-TQFP at 7 x 7 mm by DigiKey, while related Cirrus Logic records identify the package as LQFP. The compact surface-mount package supports compact desktop and portable multimedia layouts, although the large 48-pin footprint requires careful fanout and layout planning.
Technical documentation describes the analog line inputs as internally biased at the Vrefout voltage reference and requiring AC coupling. The maximum allowable line input is 1 V RMS. These details make external coupling, input attenuation, and analog-ground return paths central to achieving predictable signal amplitude and reduced distortion in a legacy sound-card implementation.
Typical applications include PC sound cards, desktop multimedia systems, portable entertainment computers, legacy AC'97 audio subsystems, and retro computer restorations. The device is particularly relevant when preserving an original SoundFusion architecture is more important than selecting a current USB or HD Audio codec.
Designers should verify the complete pinout and electrical limits against the manufacturer datasheet before layout or repair work. AC-coupled line inputs require suitable passive components, while mixed-signal placement and grounding must keep switching and digital return currents away from sensitive audio paths. The listed alternatives should also be checked for exact interface, voltage, clocking, and pin compatibility rather than package alone.
This page consolidates verified distributor descriptions, cross-reference findings, practical application context, and design cautions for engineers sourcing or restoring systems that depend on this discontinued stereo AC'97 codec.
Drop-in alternatives for CS4297-JQ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
CS4297A-JQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CS4297AJQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CS4297A-JQR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
CS4297-JQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | AC'97-compatible stereo audio codec |
| Manufacturer | Cirrus Logic |
| AC'97 Compatibility | AC'97 1.03 |
| Channel Count | 2 channels |
| Audio Architecture | CrystalClear delta-sigma and mixed-signal technology |
| Package | 48-TQFP (7 x 7 mm) |
| Related Package Description | 48-LQFP (7 x 7 mm) |
| Pin Count | 48 pins |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Maximum Analog Line Input | 1 V RMS |
| Line Input Bias | Internally biased at the Vrefout voltage reference |
| Line Input Coupling | AC coupling required |
| Primary Application | PC multimedia systems |
| Supported System Class | Desktop, portable, and entertainment PCs |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete / end of life |
CS4297-JQ 48-lqfp (7 x 7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for CS4297-JQ (48-lqfp (7 x 7 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for CS4297-JQ.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
CS4297-JQ is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy PC Sound Cards, AC'97 Desktop Multimedia Systems, Retro Computer Audio Restoration, Portable Entertainment PC Audio, Stereo Line Input Processing, Vintage Audio Controller Pairing.
Legacy PC Sound Cards
The CS4297-JQ fits legacy PC sound-card designs because it is explicitly an AC'97 1.03-compatible, 2-channel stereo codec intended for PC multimedia systems. Its 48-pin 7 x 7 mm surface-mount package matches the class of controller-centered audio layouts used during the AC'97 era. In a restoration, the original codec must be paired with its matching host controller, clocking, codec interface, supply rails, and analog output network. The verified maximum line input of 1 V RMS also makes input attenuation and AC-coupling design important. Before replacing the obsolete device, engineers should compare the complete pinout and verify clock, reset, analog-reference, and power requirements rather than relying on the family name or package dimensions alone.
Recommended
AC'97 Desktop Multimedia Systems
The CS4297-JQ is suitable for an AC'97 desktop multimedia subsystem where the design already uses the 1.03-compatible interface and requires integrated stereo modulation. Its stated CrystalClear delta-sigma and mixed-signal implementation supports the original architecture's high-quality-audio objective without changing the host-controller ecosystem. The codec should be placed near the analog input and output circuitry, with short return paths and controlled reference routing. Because operating voltage, resolution, and supported sample rate are not included in the verified data, those values must come from the manufacturer datasheet before analog filter and clock choices are finalized.
Recommended
Retro Computer Audio Restoration
The CS4297-JQ is directly relevant to restoring an original Cirrus Logic SoundFusion audio subsystem because the verified description identifies it as the CrystalClear SoundFusion Audio Codec '97 for PC multimedia systems. Exact-original restoration generally favors a traceable CS4297-JQ over a merely functional modern codec, since changing the host interface can alter driver behavior, clock topology, and analog expectations. The line inputs are internally biased at Vrefout and require AC coupling, allowing an experienced restorer to reproduce the original signal path after checking the board schematic. Inspection for electrolytic leakage, damaged passives, and compromised analog grounds should precede energizing an aged system.
Recommended
Portable Entertainment PC Audio
The CS4297-JQ was designed for desktop, portable, and entertainment PCs, making it relevant to a legacy portable-computer sound subsystem that retains an AC'97 host interface. Its integrated 2-channel codec can support onboard speakers, headphones, or line-level multimedia inputs when the surrounding analog amplifier and routing network are present. The verified 1 V RMS maximum line input and requirement for AC coupling must be honored to avoid clipping the codec input. Since verified information does not include supply voltage, operating temperature, or power consumption, an engineer restoring a portable design should confirm those limits and inspect for heat or battery-rail compatibility before installation.
Recommended
Stereo Line Input Processing
The CS4297-JQ can serve as the stereo line-input endpoint in an AC'97-equipped audio subsystem because its verified documentation identifies a left and right line-input pair. Those inputs are internally biased at the Vrefout reference, require AC coupling, and have a maximum allowable input of 1 V RMS. An implementation should therefore use suitable coupling capacitors and resistive attenuation where a larger source level is possible. Keeping analog returns continuous and separating them from digital and switching-current paths helps preserve signal integrity around this mixed-signal device. Exact source impedance, full-scale input impedance, and frequency-response limits should be taken from the complete manufacturer datasheet.
Recommended
Vintage Audio Controller Pairing
The CS4297-JQ was designed as the codec counterpart to the Cirrus Logic SoundFusion controller family, including the CS4610-class audio-controller concept identified in the verified historical source. It is therefore appropriate when an original motherboard or sound card uses an AC'97 link, codec clock, and codec-connection protocol. The strongest service choice is an original or explicitly cross-referenced Cirrus Logic family device rather than a generic stereo DAC, because the analog codec and digital host controller must exchange compatible clocking, control, status, and audio data. Engineers should verify the board's exact controller, codec address conventions, and power sequencing before treating CS4297A-JQ or any other device as a replacement.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for CS4297-JQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | CS4297A-JQ | CS4297AJQ | CS4297A-JQR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Cirrus Logic | Cirrus Logic | Cirrus Logic | Cirrus Logic |
| Device Type | AC'97 1.03-compatible stereo audio codec | AC'97 stereo audio interface | CS4297 family alternative | CS4297 family alternative |
Key Differentiators
- Exact legacy SoundFusion identity (vs CS4297A-JQ)
- Directly verified AC'97 version (vs CS4297AJQ)
- Broad source traceability for restoration (vs CS4297A-JQR)
Design Notes
Treat the CS4297-JQ analog inputs as a separate mixed-signal domain. The verified datasheet material states that LINE_IN_L and LINE_IN_R are internally biased at Vrefout, require AC coupling, and have a maximum allowable input of 1 V RMS. Place input protection and attenuation before the coupling capacitors, keep the analog input traces short, and route digital and switching-current returns away from the audio reference node. Because the exact pinout was not supplied, verify all connections against the manufacturer drawing before layout release.
Do not assume that a 48-pin 7 x 7 mm package proves drop-in compatibility. The verified alternatives share the Cirrus Logic family context, but the sources do not quantify every power, clock, reset, analog-reference, and host-interface difference. For a CS4297-JQ replacement, compare the complete pin map, supply sequencing, AC'97 timing, codec address requirements, and analog output topology. A small naming or reel-code change can conceal a functional revision.
Use the manufacturer's recommended input and reference bypassing values and preserve a low-impedance return for Vrefout. The verified 1 V RMS maximum applies to the line inputs, so use a calculated attenuator when the source can exceed that level; AC coupling alone does not prevent overload. For additional protection in a restoration, inspect or replace aged coupling capacitors and verify leakage before connecting the source. Validate the complete signal path with an oscilloscope and controlled test tone after repair.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified results do not state RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status for the CS4297-JQ. The obsolete lifecycle designation is reported by the GlobalSpec cross-reference result.
