MAXIM MAX9850 Stereo Audio DAC with DirectDrive Headphone Amplifier Data Sheet User Manual
Summary
This low-power, high-performance audio DAC integrates a DirectDrive headphone amplifier, making it ideal for portable multimedia devices such as smartphones and MP3 players. Operating on a single 1.8V to 3.6V supply, the MAX9850 delivers stereo audio while eliminating bulky DC-blocking capacitors. The device supports I2S communication and features clickless/popless operation, simplifying board design and improving bass response. This summary guides users through its comprehensive technical capabilities for reliable digital audio conversion in space-constrained applications.
Page 1 Text Content
19-3454; Rev 3; 4/06
EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
Stereo Audio DAC with Direct Drive
Headphone Amplifier
General Description Features
The MAX9850 is a low-power, high-performance stereo 1.8V to 3.6V Single-Supply Operation audio DAC with an integrated Direct Drive headphone
30m W Stereo Headphone Output Power with
amplifier. The MAX9850 is designed to meet the board
space and performance requirements of portable devices 1.8V Supply
such as cell phones and MP3 and portable DVD players.
Direct Drive Outputs Eliminate DC-Blocking
The MAX9850 uses Maxim’s Direct Drive headphone Capacitors technology that produces a ground-biased analog
91d B PSRR at 1k Hz
audio output from a single supply, which allows for dri- ving the headphones directly from the amplifier outputs Any Master Clock Up to 40MHz without large DC-blocking capacitors. This feature
Flexible I2S-Compatible Digital Audio Interface
saves board space, provides higher click/pop suppres- sion, and improves low-frequency (bass) response. The I2C Headphone Volume and Mute Control architecture does not require the headphone jack to be
Stereo Line Inputs and Outputs
biased to a DC voltage and thus allows for a conven- tional, grounded chassis design. Clickless/Popless Operation The MAX9850’s flexible clocking circuitry utilizes any
2-Wire (I2C)-Compatible Control Interface
available system clock up to 40MHz, eliminating the
need for an external PLL and multiple crystal oscillators. Available in 28-Pin Thin QFN Package
The DAC supports a wide range of sample rates from 8k Hz to 48k Hz in both master and slave modes, making Ordering Information the MAX9850 the easiest to use and most versatile audio
DAC available. It can also be operated like traditional
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
synchronous DACs, at any integer-oversampling ratio.
The audio DAC receives input data over a flexible MAX9850ETI+ -40°C to +85°C 28 TQFN-EP** T2855-6
3-wire interface that supports left-justified, right-justified **EP = Exposed pad. audio data, or I2S-compatible audio data. Stereo audio
+Denotes lead-free package.
line inputs are provided to either mix analog audio with the digital input stream, or to drive the headphone out- Pin Configuration appears at end of data sheet. puts directly. Mode settings, headphone amplifier vol- ume controls, and shutdown for both the headphone
Block Diagram
and line outputs are programmed through a 2-wire, I2C-compatible interface. The MAX9850 is fully specified over the -40°C to +85°C
1.8V TO 3.6VMCLK
extended temperature range and is available in a low- profile, 28-pin thin QFN package (5mm x 5mm x 0.8mm).
Applications DIGITAL OUTR LINE
PLL MAX9850 OUT
MP3/Portable Multimedia Players
Cell Phones/Smart Phones DIGITAL
AUDIO
LRCLK HPL
Portable DVD Players +DAC
OUTL LINE
I2C OUT
ADD GPIO
Maxim Integrated Products
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
Page Summary Contents For MAXIM MAX9850 Stereo Audio DAC with DirectDrive Headphone Amplifier Data Sheet User Manual
Manual Details
| Brand | Audio |
|---|---|
| Pages | 36 |
| File Size | 717.66 KB |
| Published | May 15, 2026 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the operational voltage range for the MAX9850 DAC?
It operates on a single supply between 1.8V and 3.6V.
How does the design handle clocking and I²C communication?
It supports up to a 40MHz system clock via a flexible I²C-compatible digital interface, eliminating external PLLs.
What are the features of the headphone amplifier output?
It includes DirectDrive technology for ground-biased analog audio and provides 30mW stereo headphone output power.
What is the recommended connection method for the thermal pad in a thin QFN package?
The exposed thermal pad should be connected to an electrically isolated, large copper pad or AGND if floating.