PCM1800E - 20-Bit 48 kSPS Stereo ADC | Texas Instruments
MPN: PCM1800E ✓ ActivePCM1800E Overview
An ADC is a mixed-signal semiconductor that converts continuously varying analog voltages into numerical values suitable for digital processing. The PCM1800 belongs to the delta-sigma ADC family and the broader data-converter and signal-processing IC hierarchy. Its single-ended inputs simplify source connections when the signal source can be referenced adequately against the converter's analog ground. Digital audio equipment commonly uses this architecture to support CD-compatible 44.1 kSPS and 48 kSPS playback or recording rates.
Key features of the PCM1800E include dual 20-bit monolithic conversion, single-ended voltage inputs, 64-times oversampling, and four supported data formats. The decimation filter has a stated passband ripple of ±0.05 dB and stopband attenuation of -65 dB. The reported signal-to-noise ratio is 95 dB, making the device relevant to audio preamplifiers, consumer receivers, digital mixers, and other systems requiring stereo audio capture at 48 kSPS.
The delta-sigma architecture converts the analog signal through oversampling and digital filtering before producing the final serial output. PCM1800 documentation identifies both master and slave operating modes, allowing the converter either to generate the serial clock or synchronize it with an external audio processor. Four data formats provide design flexibility when connecting the ADC to codecs, digital audio processors, microcontrollers, or programmable logic. The serial interface and decimation filter therefore form the boundary between the analog audio inputs and the digital signal path.
Typical PCM1800E applications include stereo consumer audio capture, digital recording equipment, audio mixer inputs, consumer media systems, and digital signal processing front ends. In a typical signal chain, a stereo source is buffered, level-shifted into the ADC input range, sampled by the delta-sigma modulator, decimated, and transferred to a digital audio processor through the serial interface. The 48 kSPS rate supports professional audio-standard sampling rates but does not itself provide the analog front-end gain, anti-alias filtering, clock generation, or output audio processing required by a complete system.
A key design consideration is preserving signal integrity at the single-ended analog inputs and the digital serial interface. Input routing should minimize noise pickup, keep the analog and digital return paths controlled, and account for the converter's input voltage range. Clock and data traces require suitable timing margins, while bypass capacitors should be placed close to the supply pins. The SSOP-24 package is suitable for compact designs, but its lead pitch and exposed analog, digital, and supply connections demand careful layout and assembly.
This page consolidates the verified PCM1800 family specifications, source links, application guidance, and replacement-status analysis into one engineering-focused reference. It also separates published facts from unavailable details so designers can identify what must still be confirmed in the manufacturer datasheet before schematic release, PCB layout, or production qualification.
Drop-in alternatives for PCM1800E — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPCM1800E Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Converter Type | Dual delta-sigma ADC |
| Resolution | 20 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 48 kSPS |
| Channel Configuration | Stereo |
| Input Type | Single-ended voltage input |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Oversampling Ratio | 64 times |
| Decimation Filter Passband Ripple | ±0.05 dB |
| Decimation Filter Stopband Attenuation | -65 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 95 dB |
| Digital Output | Serial |
| Serial Interface Modes | Master and slave |
| Supported Data Formats | 4 |
| Package | 24-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PCM1800E 24-pin ssop Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PCM1800E (24-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 PCM1800E.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PCM1800E is suitable for 6 applications: Stereo Consumer Audio Capture, Digital Audio Mixer Input, Consumer Media Recorder, Digital Television Audio Front End, Audio Test and Measurement, Industrial Audio Control Panel.
Stereo Consumer Audio Capture
The PCM1800E fits a stereo capture front end because it provides dual 20-bit conversion, single-ended voltage inputs, and a maximum sampling rate of 48 kSPS. Place the device after source buffers and gain control so each analog channel remains inside its permitted input range. Its 64-times oversampling and -65 dB decimation-filter stopband attenuation help reject out-of-band energy before digital processing. The system clock, serial data, byte framing, and master or slave interface mode must match the downstream audio controller, while the 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply requires low-noise decoupling close to the converter.
Recommended
Digital Audio Mixer Input
A digital mixer can use the PCM1800E to convert two single-ended analog channels into a 20-bit digital stream at up to 48 kSPS. The converter's four data formats and support for both master and slave serial modes make it adaptable to different mixer-control architectures. Analog level matching must precede the ADC, and the selected serial format must agree with the mixer engine's expected clock, frame, and data alignment. Supply and ground layout are especially important when several mixer channels share the same board, because converter noise and clock jitter can affect the usable dynamic range of the complete audio system.
Recommended
Consumer Media Recorder
The PCM1800E is appropriate for a compact consumer recorder that captures stereo audio at 44.1 kSPS or 48 kSPS and transfers the result to a digital signal processor. Its single-ended inputs can simplify connection from source circuitry when those circuits provide the required common-mode and signal-level conditions. The 20-bit resolution and reported 95 dB SNR provide useful headroom for consumer recording applications, while the integrated decimation filter reduces the need for extensive external digital filtering. Practical implementation still requires an input protection strategy, stable clocking, clean supply routing, and software support for the chosen serial data format.
Recommended
Digital Television Audio Front End
The PCM1800E can serve as the stereo conversion stage in a digital television or media system requiring 48 kSPS audio capture. The device's single-ended inputs suit cost-conscious source boards, while its serial interface can feed a digital audio processor or USB interface. A practical design must keep the converter clock synchronized to the source and isolate analog input routing from high-speed digital signals. The published 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range supports a conventional 5 V system architecture, but the specific decoupling network, input scaling, and timing margins should follow the manufacturer reference guidance.
Recommended
Audio Test and Measurement
The PCM1800E can be used in a compact audio measurement instrument that digitizes two single-ended channels for later analysis. A 20-bit converter operating at 48 kSPS provides enough nominal resolution for many cost-sensitive consumer-audio measurements, and the four serial formats provide flexibility in connecting it to a controller or FPGA. Measurement accuracy still depends on analog calibration, low-noise references, clock quality, input bandwidth, and software filtering; the ADC's 95 dB SNR does not remove errors contributed by the surrounding test fixture. This makes the device suitable for functional audio testing rather than unrestricted laboratory metrology.
Recommended
Industrial Audio Control Panel
The PCM1800E can digitize stereo monitoring signals in an industrial audio panel where 48 kSPS acquisition is sufficient. Its single-ended inputs, serial output, master or slave operation, and 24-pin SSOP package support a compact control design that avoids a parallel data bus. The implementation should separate analog and digital return paths, place bypass components near the supply pins, and use a clock source with low jitter. Because the target application may combine audio conversion with communications and control traffic, software must confirm the selected PCM1800 data format and implement continuous handling of framing, overflow, and serial timing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PCM1800E — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product |
|---|---|
| Package | 24-pin SSOP |
| Brand | Texas Instruments |
| Converter Type | Dual delta-sigma ADC |
| Resolution | 20 bit |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 48 kSPS |
| Input Type | Single-ended voltage input |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Oversampling Ratio | 64 times |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 95 dB |
| Digital Interface | Serial, master or slave mode |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated stereo conversion with single-ended inputs (vs PCM1800E/2KG4)
- Five-volt-compatible audio conversion (vs PCM1800E/2K)
- Flexible digital interface configuration (vs PCM1800E/2KG4)
Design Notes
Keep the analog input traces short and place their bypass capacitors close to the PCM1800E supply pins. Route single-ended inputs away from the serial clock and data paths, and maintain a continuous return path to the converter's analog ground reference. Because the supplied source snippets do not expose the complete pin table, verify the analog, digital, clock, and supply assignments in the current TI datasheet before assigning nets or placing the decoupling network.
Use a low-jitter clock source and confirm whether the PCM1800E operates as serial-interface master or slave before finalizing the topology. The converter supports both modes and four data formats, so an incorrect mode or frame assumption can corrupt data even when the analog section is correct. Preserve timing margins along clock, serial data, and serial word-select routes, and inspect the interface waveforms with a scope during hardware bring-up.
Do not treat PCM1800E/2K or PCM1800E/2KG4 as automatically interchangeable with PCM1800E merely because the devices share the PCM1800 family and 24-pin SSOP class. The verified comparison notes differing electrical characteristics for PCM1800E/2KG4, while the supplied snippets do not provide complete ordering or electrical tables. Check the TI ordering information, pin functions, absolute maximum ratings, supply requirements, and timing characteristics before approving any substitution.
Separate the PCM1800E analog input routing from digital clocks and serial outputs, and keep the converter ground connection strategy consistent with the complete analog and digital return network. If the source is near a switching supply or radio-frequency circuit, include appropriate input filtering and validate it against the converter's sampled bandwidth. The published 64-times oversampling and 95 dB SNR describe the converter, not the complete analog channel, so PCB-level noise control remains essential.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified sources do not explicitly state the PCM1800E's RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. These fields remain unknown rather than being inferred from general manufacturer practices.