SABRE9018 Audio D/A Converter ICs Datasheet, Features, Specifications, and Applications

The SABRE9018 is a high-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC) IC developed by ESS Technology, known for its outstanding audio performance in consumer and professional audio systems. The SABRE9018 integrates ESS’s renowned 32-bit HyperStream™ DAC architecture, delivering industry-leading dynamic range, low distortion, and exceptional audio quality. This article provides an in-depth overview of the SABRE9018 DAC IC, covering its features, specifications, and practical applications.

What is SABRE9018?

The SABRE9018 is a premium 32-bit DAC designed for high-fidelity audio applications. It features ESS’s proprietary HyperStream architecture, which reduces jitter and enhances signal integrity to produce pure, distortion-free audio. With support for a wide range of audio formats, the SABRE9018 is commonly used in high-end audio equipment, such as home theater systems, professional audio equipment, and automotive infotainment. The IC offers an impressive signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and dynamic range, ensuring optimal performance for both consumer and professional audio applications.

Architecture of SABRE9018

The SABRE9018 utilizes ESS’s HyperStream architecture, a delta-sigma modulation scheme that minimizes distortion and maximizes audio fidelity. The chip includes advanced features such as a 32-bit digital filter, asynchronous sample rate conversion, and a high-precision phase-locked loop (PLL) to reduce jitter and improve the accuracy of the audio signal. The SABRE9018 is capable of supporting PCM and DSD audio formats, with support for high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD512. The IC also includes a built-in analog output stage with programmable gain, ensuring it can drive a wide range of audio systems.

Features of SABRE9018

• 32-bit HyperStream DAC Architecture: The SABRE9018 utilizes ESS’s HyperStream technology for high-quality digital-to-analog conversion, delivering superior dynamic range and low distortion for audiophile-grade sound reproduction.

• Support for High-Resolution Audio Formats: The DAC supports PCM resolutions up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD512, making it ideal for high-fidelity audio applications that require high sample rates and bit depths.

• Advanced Jitter Reduction: The SABRE9018 includes a precision PLL and asynchronous sample rate converter (ASRC), which minimizes jitter and improves the signal quality, reducing digital artifacts in the audio signal.

• Low Distortion and High Dynamic Range: The SABRE9018 achieves an impressive signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 130dB and total harmonic distortion (THD) of -120dB, providing ultra-clear audio reproduction with minimal distortion.

Specifications of SABRE9018

Audio Performance

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 130 dB, providing ultra-low noise for audiophile-grade sound quality.
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): -120 dB, ensuring incredibly low levels of distortion in the audio signal.
• Dynamic Range: 130 dB, delivering superior resolution and clarity for high-fidelity audio playback.
• Output Voltage: The SABRE9018 supports a wide output voltage range for compatibility with different types of audio equipment.

Input and Output Specifications

• Input Formats: The SABRE9018 supports both PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) and DSD (Direct Stream Digital) input formats, allowing it to process a variety of audio data.
• Output Types: The DAC features differential outputs for driving high-quality audio systems, providing balanced output for better performance in professional audio applications.

Power Consumption

• Low Power Operation: Despite its high performance, the SABRE9018 is optimized for low power consumption, making it suitable for both consumer and professional audio systems.

• Voltage Supply: The SABRE9018 operates on a supply voltage of 3.3V for digital and 5V for analog circuits, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment.

Package Types and Physical Dimensions

• Available Packaging Options: The SABRE9018 is available in a 28-pin QFN package, making it suitable for integration into a variety of audio systems and devices.
• Size and Fit: The compact 28-pin package allows the SABRE9018 to be used in space-constrained applications, including portable audio devices, high-end home theater systems, and automotive audio solutions.

Applications of SABRE9018

• Home Theater Systems: The SABRE9018 is used in high-end home theater systems, providing premium sound quality with low distortion and wide dynamic range. It ensures accurate and lifelike audio reproduction in both stereo and surround sound formats.

• High-End Audio Equipment: The SABRE9018 is widely used in high-fidelity audio equipment such as audiophile DACs, amplifiers, and headphone amplifiers, where the highest audio performance is required.

• Automotive Infotainment Systems: In automotive applications, the SABRE9018 provides high-quality audio conversion for in-car entertainment systems, ensuring clear, detailed sound reproduction even in noisy environments.

• Professional Audio Equipment: The SABRE9018 is used in professional audio equipment such as mixing consoles, audio interfaces, and broadcast systems, where precision and audio fidelity are paramount.

• Portable Audio Systems: Due to its low power consumption and high-performance capabilities, the SABRE9018 is ideal for use in portable audio devices, such as high-end digital audio players and wireless speakers.

SABRE9018 Package

The SABRE9018 is available in a 28-pin QFN package, which provides a compact and durable solution for integrating the DAC into audio systems. The package is designed for surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly, making it easy to integrate into modern, high-performance audio devices.

SABRE9018 Manufacturer

The SABRE9018 is manufactured by ESS Technology, a leading provider of high-performance audio ICs. ESS is known for its innovative solutions in digital audio conversion, and the SABRE9018 is one of its flagship products, providing audiophile-grade performance for a wide range of audio applications.

SABRE9018 Datasheet

The SABRE9018 datasheet provides detailed information on electrical characteristics, pin configurations, and application notes. Engineers can refer to the datasheet for guidelines on integrating the DAC into their systems, ensuring optimal performance and high-quality audio playback.

SABRE9018 vs. Other Audio DACs: A Comparative Analysis

• SABRE9018 vs. AK4490EQ: The AK4490EQ from AKM is another high-performance DAC but with slightly lower dynamic range and SNR compared to the SABRE9018. The SABRE9018’s HyperStream architecture provides superior jitter performance and lower distortion, making it the preferred choice for high-end audio systems.

• SABRE9018 vs. PCM1794A: The PCM1794A from Texas Instruments is a high-performance DAC, but the SABRE9018 offers better jitter reduction and superior distortion characteristics, making it ideal for applications requiring the highest fidelity.

• SABRE9018 vs. ES9038PRO: While the ES9038PRO from ESS offers higher output performance with 8 channels and advanced features, the SABRE9018 is an excellent choice for stereo applications, offering a more cost-effective solution for high-end two-channel audio systems.

Conclusion

The SABRE9018 Audio D/A Converter IC delivers exceptional performance for high-fidelity audio applications, offering superior sound quality, low distortion, and wide dynamic range. Its support for high-resolution PCM and DSD formats, along with its advanced jitter reduction and over-sampling features, make it ideal for audiophile-grade devices, home theater systems, and professional audio equipment. The SABRE9018 is a reliable choice for anyone seeking top-tier audio performance in their audio systems.