ROHM has launched a new brand, "MUS-IC," reflecting ROHM's focus on solutions for high-fidelity audio products. This brand covers a range of digital-to-analog converter (DAC) integrated circuits optimized for high-fidelity playback and power supply applications.The increasing adoption of high-resolution audio sources has recently expanded the demand for audio equipment that can deliver adequate sound quality. Audio DAC chips, which convert high-resolution digital audio data to analog without degrading the original sound source, are one of the most important components in determining the quality of audio equipment.
ROHM features state-of-the-art D/A converter technologies optimized for high-fidelity reproduction of high-resolution audio sources. These DAC chips—offering unparalleled low noise and distortion levels (S/N ratio and THD+N characteristics) in their class, as demanded by leading audio equipment manufacturers—have been optimized for outstanding sound quality through extensive listening tests and laboratory measurements.
Leveraging 50 years of experience in developing audio integrated circuits, ROHM has defined "sound quality design technology" capabilities for high-fidelity audio reproduction that closely resembles the original sound source. This allows them to offer products designed with a strong emphasis on sound quality, including audio processors and power supply integrated circuits. In May 2018, ROHM presented an initial development sample of a DAC chip at the Hi-Fi Audio International trade fair in Munich, Germany. There, it received recognition from leading audio equipment manufacturers, who expressed significant interest in its adoption once it becomes commercially available.
In addition to this DAC chip, ROHM also offers a portfolio of power supply integrated circuits (BD372xx series) and sound processors (BD3470x series, BD34602FS-M). All products optimized for high-fidelity audio applications are available under their new ROHM Musical Device brand, "MUS-IC".
“We developed this product range by combining our high-quality design technology with our corporate mission of ‘Quality First’ and our vertically integrated manufacturing. We are also implementing activities that contribute to the dissemination and development of musical culture through the ROHM Music Foundation,” said Naruhiro Okamoto, Director of the Audio Development Department at ROHM. “Our team of experienced engineers has developed the ultimate integrated circuit solution, perfectly represented by the new audio device brand ‘MUS-IC.’”.
In the future, ROHM will strive to become a total solutions provider of audio components that will contribute to the development and progress of musical culture with the faithful reproduction of music, all under the ROHM Musical Device "MUS-IC" brand.
Initiatives for the audio market
1970s: Began offering integrated audio circuits for analog audio.
1980s/1990s: Provided products combining analog and digital technologies for digital audio.
2000s: Developed multimedia and multifunctional products for compressed audio.
2012: Implemented activities to achieve a "sound quality design technology."
2015: Established a "sound quality design technology" that ensured high fidelity by optimizing 28 sound quality-related parameters.
October 2016: Launched the BD3470xKS2 series of high-fidelity sound processors for home audio, leveraging the patented sound quality design technology.
2016: Development of integrated power supply circuits for high-fidelity audio begins.
2016: Development of DAC chips for high-fidelity audio begins.
February 2017: Introduction of the BD34602FS-M series of high-fidelity sound processors for car audio.
February 2017: Launch of the BM94803AEKU audio SoC, compatible with high-resolution audio sources.
March 2018: The industry's first integrated power supply circuits for Hi-Fi audio applications are offered (BD372xx series). May
2018: Presentation of the DAC chip at the HIGH END and hifideluxe international audio exhibitions in Munich.
Terminology
High-resolution audio sources:
General CD-quality audio sources reproduce at a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz and a quantization bit rate of 16 bits, but with high-resolution audio sources, common sampling rates are 96 kHz or higher and the quantization is 24 bits. In other words, the amount of information contained in high-resolution audio sources is much greater, resulting in better sound quality.
