PCM1742KE - 24-Bit 200kHz Stereo Audio DAC | Texas Instruments
MPN: PCM1742KE ✓ ActivePCM1742KE Overview
An audio DAC is a mixed-signal interface that converts digital audio samples into left and right analog voltage signals. Within the broader signal-chain hierarchy, it sits after a digital audio source, decoder, mixer, or host processor and before an analog output amplifier and loudspeaker or line-level destination. The PCM1742KE is therefore a precision audio DAC rather than a digital input device, codec, or power-management component. Its stereo architecture allows both channels to be processed in one integrated circuit.
Key features include 24-bit resolution, operation up to 200 kHz, an I2S-compatible digital interface, and a dual-channel converter arrangement. The enhanced multilevel delta-sigma design applies fourth-order noise shaping and 8-level amplitude quantization, combining noise suppression with a relatively compact CMOS implementation. These characteristics suit digital audio equipment that requires separate left and right analog outputs while accepting digital sample data from a digital audio processor.
The PCM1742KE uses separate analog and digital supply domains, an important implementation detail for mixed-signal audio systems. The TI E2E discussion identifies the PCM1742 as using dual-supply operation, with 5 V analog and 3.3 V digital rails, while noting that PCM1753 differs at pin 5 and uses a 5 V single supply. Designers should therefore preserve the target device's pin-specific supply arrangement and use the pin-description table in the manufacturer datasheet when assigning PCB nets.
Typical applications include CD and DVD player analog-output sections, home-theater audio equipment, active speaker electronics, multichannel audio processors, and digital mixing consoles. It is especially relevant where a 24-bit I2S source must be converted into stereo analog signals before amplification. In such designs, the DAC output should be followed by the intended analog gain stage rather than being assumed to drive a loudspeaker directly.
The primary design consideration is preserving low-noise analog behavior and correct digital clocking. Route digital-interface traces away from the analog output path, use the decoupling and layout recommendations in the manufacturer datasheet, and confirm that the source clock, serial data, and word-select timing meet the PCM1742 interface requirements. Component tolerances and amplifier selection can materially affect the final audible noise floor.
This page organizes the PCM1742KE product information into a focused engineering reference covering converter architecture, package constraints, application fit, pin compatibility, sourcing questions, and design considerations. It also separates confirmed drop-in substitutions from related parts that require different supply arrangements or pin definitions, helping prevent a superficially similar replacement from becoming an unreliable board-level substitution.
Drop-in alternatives for PCM1742KE — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPCM1742KE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Stereo audio digital-to-analog converter (DAC) |
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
| Converter Resolution | 24 bit |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 200 kHz |
| Digital Audio Interface | I2S |
| Number of Audio Channels | 2 channels |
| Converter Architecture | Enhanced multilevel delta-sigma |
| Noise-Shaping Order | 4th order |
| Amplitude Quantization | 8 level |
| Process Technology | CMOS |
| Integration | Monolithic integrated circuit |
| Package Type | 16-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Analog Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Digital Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
PCM1742KE 16-pin ssop Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PCM1742KE (16-pin ssop 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 PCM1742KE.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PCM1742KE is suitable for 6 applications: CD Player Analog Output, Home-Theater Audio Processor, Active Speaker Interface, Digital Mixing Console, Multichannel Audio Processor, Professional Audio Equipment.
CD Player Analog Output
The PCM1742KE fits a CD-player output stage that accepts a 24-bit digital audio stream and needs separate left and right analog channels. Its 24-bit resolution and operation up to 200 kHz provide an appropriate conversion interface for high-resolution source material, while the I2S input supports a conventional digital audio connection from a decoder or transport controller. The analog outputs should drive a line-level amplifier, with 5 V analog and 3.3 V digital rails implemented exactly as described in the manufacturer datasheet.
Home-Theater Audio Processor
Use the PCM1742KE in a home-theater processor that must convert a stereo I2S stream into analog audio for downstream amplification. The two integrated converter channels reduce the number of separate DAC devices required for a stereo output, while the 200 kHz capability supports high-rate digital audio pathways. Keep the sensitive analog routing away from switching circuitry and clock lines, and confirm that source word length, sample rate, and serial timing satisfy the PCM1742 interface requirements.
Active Speaker Interface
The PCM1742KE can serve as the digital-to-analog front end of an active speaker when a host processor supplies compatible I2S audio. Its 24-bit stereo conversion creates the analog signal expected by a line-level power amplifier, while the separate analog and digital supply domains help organize the power architecture. The DAC output should not be connected directly to a loudspeaker; include the intended low-noise amplifier and verify output swing, loading, and noise performance against the final design requirements.
Digital Mixing Console
A digital mixing console can use the PCM1742KE for local stereo monitoring or auxiliary output conversion when the console engine outputs a compatible 24-bit I2S stream. The monolithic stereo converter supports compact signal routing, and the 200 kHz maximum rate accommodates high-rate working modes. Because console boards contain many switching and high-gain stages, follow the datasheet grounding and decoupling guidance, keep analog outputs short, and test the complete channel for interference from digital clocks and adjacent circuitry.
Multichannel Audio Processor
The PCM1742KE is useful in a multichannel audio processor wherever two channels require high-resolution digital-to-analog conversion. Its stereo topology lets designers pair multiple devices for surround or zone outputs while retaining the same I2S interface and converter architecture on each board. Each device still requires its own local decoupling and careful routing of analog and digital returns. Confirm that the system controller can provide synchronized clocks and correctly framed left and right channels for every populated converter.
Professional Audio Equipment
Professional audio equipment can use the PCM1742KE as a stereo conversion stage when 24-bit digital processing is followed by analog output amplification. The fourth-order noise-shaping and 8-level quantization architecture identifies it as a high-performance delta-sigma converter, making it appropriate for consumer and professional signal paths requiring compact stereo conversion. Validate output noise, distortion, channel isolation, and dynamic range in the finished analog chain, because the DAC alone does not determine the performance of the following amplifier and passive network.
Engineering reference data for PCM1742KE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product |
|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments |
| Package | 16-pin SSOP |
| Product Type | Stereo audio DAC |
| Converter Resolution | 24 bit |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 200 kHz |
| Digital Audio Interface | I2S |
| Analog Supply | 5 V |
| Digital Supply | 3.3 V |
| Converter Architecture | Enhanced multilevel delta-sigma with 4th-order noise shaping and 8-level amplitude quantization |
Key Differentiators
- Separate analog and digital supply domains (vs PCM1753)
- Compact stereo conversion in one package (vs Discrete dual-DAC implementation)
- High-resolution delta-sigma conversion (vs Lower-resolution DAC implementations)
Design Notes
Separate the analog output path from I2S clock and data routing. Place the datasheet-recommended input, output, and bypass capacitors directly beside their associated pins, minimize loop area, and route analog outputs away from digital switching nodes. The PCM1742’s 5 V analog and 3.3 V digital domains require deliberate grounding and supply-return planning so digital activity is not injected into the audio output stage.
Plan for both 5 V analog and 3.3 V digital supply rails and verify startup sequencing against the manufacturer requirements. A 3.3 V digital source should not be connected directly to a 5 V-compatible interface unless the PCM1742 specifies level tolerance. Use local decoupling at the device and keep the analog return path continuous through the board’s quiet-ground or analog-star structure, following the reference layout rather than a generic split-plane arrangement.
Validate the complete I2S timing chain, including serial clock rate, data-bit alignment, and frame or word-select timing, with the actual source device. Route clock and data traces together where practical, provide a continuous reference plane, and avoid long stubs. The PCM1742 supports operation through 200 kHz, so a stable source clock and correctly configured digital driver are central to avoiding channel-format or timing errors.
Do not substitute PCM1753 or another related converter solely because its pin count and I2S interface appear similar. Texas Instruments notes that PCM1753 differs at pin 5 and uses a 5 V single-supply arrangement, while PCM1742 uses 3.3 V digital and 5 V analog rails. Treat the manufacturer pin-description table as the authority, and verify analog output loading and the required output-amplifier topology before releasing production artwork.
Compliance Information
The PCM1742KE is a conventional CMOS audio DAC rather than an automotive-qualified device. Current RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status must be confirmed from the exact ordering code and current manufacturer documentation.