DSPA56370AF - 24-bit DSP, 150MHz, Audio/Video | NXP/Freescale
MPN: DSPA56370AF ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.2 | $342.00 |
| 100 | $29.95 | $2,995.00 |
| 500 | $26.4 | $13,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $23.1 | $23,100.00 |
DSPA56370AF Overview
A digital signal processor (DSP) is a specialized microprocessor whose architecture - multiply-accumulate (MAC) units, Harvard memory buses, and zero-overhead looping - is optimized for numeric-heavy, real-time signal processing. The DSP56300 family belongs to the broader category of embedded processors > microprocessors > microcontrollers > semiconductors. DSPs sit between general-purpose microcontrollers (flexible but slower at numerics) and FPGAs (parallel but harder to program), and they dominate audio codecs, modem baseband, and control-loop workloads.
Key features of the DSPA56370AF include the DSP56300 core running up to 150 MHz, 24-bit fixed-point data paths, on-chip memory configured for codec workloads, serial audio interfaces (ESSI), a host interface, and 5 V-tolerant I/O. The device targets audio decoding (Dolby, DTS, MPEG), sample-rate conversion, and parametric equalization. Its 24-bit word length preserves headroom for multi-channel downmix and dynamics processing without intermediate quantization artifacts.
Architecturally, the device uses the Freescale/NXP DSP56300 Harvard architecture with dual memory banks and a dedicated address generation unit, allowing concurrent fetches of instruction and data words every clock cycle. The result is sustained MAC throughput matched to real-time audio codecs at typical 48 kHz / 96 kHz sample rates.
Typical applications include AV receivers, home theater systems, surround-sound decoders, mini stereo systems, digital TV audio, and automotive audio head units where the DSP56300 core runs license-required surround decoding and EQ in real time.
When designing with the DSPA56370AF, follow the Freescale/NXP DSP56300 hardware reference manual for SDRAM interface timing and JTAG boundary-scan configuration, and observe derating for VCC ripple during heavy codec decoding (typically < 50 mVpp on the analog supply rails).
This page synthesizes distributor availability, datasheet references, and practical design considerations to support drop-in sourcing of the DSPA56370AF for AV-receiver platforms still in production or under long-term support.
Drop-in alternatives for DSPA56370AF — 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 DSPA56370AF (same form factor and footprint).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DSPB56371AF150
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$13.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →DSP56371AF150
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSP56371PV150
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DSPA56370AF Specifications
| Product Type | Digital Signal Processor (DSP) |
| Core Architecture | DSP56300 Harvard, 24-bit fixed-point |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 150 MHz |
| I/O Voltage Compatibility | 5.0 V compatible |
| Data Word Length | 24-bit |
| Process Technology | CMOS |
| Serial Audio Interface (ESSI) | Yes |
| Host Interface (HI08) | Yes |
| External Memory Bus | Yes (SDRAM/SRAM controller) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per JLCPCB listing) |
| Original Manufacturer | Freescale Semiconductor (now NXP Semiconductors) |
| Target Application | Audio/Video receivers, surround sound decoders |
DSPA56370AF standard Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DSPA56370AF (standard 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 DSPA56370AF.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DSPA56370AF is suitable for 6 applications: Audio/Video (AV) Receivers, Home Theater Systems, Surround Sound Decoders, Mini Stereo Systems, Digital TV Audio Systems, Automotive Audio Systems.
Audio/Video (AV) Receivers
The DSPA56370AF's 24-bit fixed-point DSP56300 core at 150 MHz is well matched to AV-receiver workloads where multi-channel audio decoding (Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG), bass management, and room-correction EQ run in real time. The 24-bit word length preserves headroom through cascaded biquad and dynamics stages without intermediate truncation artifacts, while the dual-memory Harvard architecture keeps the codec and the host-control channels from starving each other. Compared with a general-purpose microcontroller, the DSP's single-cycle MAC and zero-overhead loops deliver roughly an order-of-magnitude higher throughput per MHz for these workloads, allowing a single DSPA56370AF to handle 7.1-channel decode alongside system-level mixing. Decoupling and a clean analog supply rail (<50 mVpp noise) are required at the board level to keep codec SNR within datasheet limits.
Recommended
Home Theater Systems
In home theater platforms the DSPA56370AF typically runs the surround-sound decoder and parametric equalization, offloading the host processor and ensuring deterministic timing on the audio path. The DSP56300's 150 MHz instruction rate gives ample headroom for a 96 kHz / 24-bit audio pipeline plus concurrent sample-rate conversion. Placing the DSPA56370AF between the HDMI audio extractor and the multi-channel DAC chain keeps the digital audio domain clean and avoids variable-latency software codecs on the main CPU. Watch the JTAG and Host Interface (HI08) wiring - lay them out so the production tester can reach the DSP without unplugging boards.
Recommended
Surround Sound Decoders
The DSPA56370AF is a natural fit for licensed surround decoders because its 24-bit fixed-point data path matches the dynamic-range requirements of the licensed codec kernels, and its deterministic zero-overhead looping keeps the per-sample work budget stable. Operating from a 5 V-tolerant I/O domain lets the device interface directly to legacy 5 V DACs and switchers still common in mid-2000s AV board designs. The ESSI serial audio ports handle I2S-compatible multi-channel audio in and out, while the HI08 host interface serves control and status registers to the system MCU. Plan for 1-2W dissipation under sustained decode; a small copper pour on the exposed pad is normally sufficient.
Recommended
Mini Stereo Systems
For compact stereo systems the DSPA56370AF delivers 24-bit DSP headroom for virtual surround, loudness compensation, and customer-EQ presets at a price-per-channel that is hard to beat for a single-chip audio DSP. Its 5 V I/O tolerance allows direct connection to common single-supply op-amp and DAC front ends, eliminating level shifters and keeping BOM cost low. The DSP56300 core handles a full set of biquads plus a soft-mute state machine on a single device, simplifying the host MCU's role to power-up sequencing and remote-control decoding. Use the Freescale/NXP evaluation board reference schematics as the starting point to keep layout risk low.
Recommended
Digital TV Audio Systems
Inside digital-TV audio subsystems, the DSPA56370AF handles the broadcast-audio decoder chain (MPEG-1/2 Layer II, AC-3, and AAC) and provides the loudness normalization required by modern broadcast regulations. The DSP56300 Harvard architecture and on-chip dual-memory banks let the device keep an audio frame's worth of samples in fast memory, removing the latency that an external memory bus would otherwise insert. The host interface (HI08) accepts compressed bitstreams from the TV's main SoC and returns decoded PCM to the TV's downstream DAC chain. Boundary-scan (JTAG) should remain accessible for production test, even on a thermally constrained TV chassis.
Recommended
Automotive Audio Systems
In automotive head units and external amplifiers, the DSPA56370AF's 24-bit fixed-point DSP56300 core handles cabin-correction EQ, time-alignment, and surround upmix for in-vehicle audio. Its tolerance to 5 V signaling simplifies integration with legacy automotive audio CODECs and amplifier front ends still common in automotive designs. Road-noise cancellation (RNC) and hands-free echo-cancellation algorithms also fit comfortably into the 150 MHz instruction budget alongside the core audio decode, allowing a single DSP to replace what previously required two devices. Follow automotive power-supply design rules (load-dump, reverse-battery, and brown-out) for the DSPA56370AF supply rails, and review the Freescale/NXP hardware reference manual for the recommended decoupling network.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DSPA56370AF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DSPB56371AF150 | DSP56371AF150 | DSP56371PV150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) | NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) |
| Core Architecture | DSP56300 Harvard, 24-bit | DSP56300 Harvard, 24-bit | DSP56300 Harvard, 24-bit | DSP56300 Harvard, 24-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 150 MHz | 150 MHz | 150 MHz | 150 MHz |
| Data Word Length | 24-bit | 24-bit | 24-bit | 24-bit |
| I/O Voltage Compatibility | 5.0 V tolerant | 5.0 V tolerant | 5.0 V tolerant | 5.0 V tolerant |
| Audio/Video Target Role | AV receivers, decoders | AV receivers, decoders | AV receivers, decoders | AV receivers, decoders |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND (mature) | NRND (mature) | NRND (mature) | NRND (mature) |
Key Differentiators
- Datasheet-public datasheet available online (vs Generic DSP56300-family part numbers without published datasheets)
- 5 V-tolerant I/O simplifies legacy interfacing (vs Newer 3.3 V-only DSPs (e.g., newer SHARC ADSP-214xx variants))
- Established Freescale/NXP ecosystem (vs TI TMS320C5515 or ADI SHARC families)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 150 MHz operation the DSP56300 core draws roughly 250-400 mW from the core supply; power dissipation in the DSPA56370AF rises sharply with the number of ESSI ports active and with sustained MAC utilization. Decouple the core rail with a 10 uF bulk + 0.1 uF + 10 nF cap network placed within 5 mm of the supply pins; keep the analog 5 V rail noise below 50 mVpp to avoid degrading codec dynamic range. A small copper pour on the exposed pad dissipates 1-2 W without raising junction temperature into the derating zone.
Route the external memory bus (address + data) with matched lengths and a 50-ohm characteristic impedance; keep SDRAM traces short to avoid ringing on the DSPA56370AF's synchronous memory interface. Place the JTAG TAP pins on a header or test pad accessible from the production tester. ESSI serial audio traces should be length-matched within the I2S specifications (clock-to-data skew < 0.2 UI) and kept clear of switching power sections to limit crosstalk into the audio path.
Do not exceed the DSPA56370AF's maximum clock frequency of 150 MHz or the part's internal timing margins will be violated. Ensure the host controller respects the HI08 host interface handshake timing before issuing configuration writes, or the DSP may lock into an unexpected state requiring a hardware reset. Do not leave unused ESSI / host-interface pins floating - tie them to a defined logic level (per the Freescale/NXP DSP56300 hardware reference manual) to avoid shoot-through currents at power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per JLCPCB part listing for DSPA56370AF. REACH, conflict-minerals, halogen-free, and AEC-Q100 status were not stated in the verified web data; request CoC directly from distributor for automotive or medical deployments.
