Microphone Preamplifier with
Variable Compression and Noise Gating
SSM2166
Data Sheet
and to eliminate popping. In the 1:1 compression setting, the
SSM2166 can be programmed with a fixed gain of up to 20 dB;
FEATURES
Complete microphone conditioner in a 14-lead SOIC package
Single 5 V operation
this gain is in addition to the variable gain in other compression
settings. The input buffer can also be configured for front-end
gains of 0 dB to 20 dB. A downward expander (noise gate) prevents
amplification of noise or hum. This results in optimized signal
levels prior to digitization, thereby eliminating the need for
additional gain or attenuation in the digital domain that may
add noise or impair accuracy of speech recognition algorithms.
The compression ratio and time constants are set externally. A
high degree of flexibility is provided by the VCA gain, rotation
point, and noise gate adjustment pins.
Adjustable noise gate threshold
Compression ratio set by external resistor
Automatic limiting feature—prevents ADC overload
Adjustable release time
Low noise and distortion
Power-down feature
20 kHz bandwidth ( 1 dBꢀ
APPLICATIONS
Microphone preamplifiers/processors
Computer sound cards
Public address/paging systems
Communication headsets
Telephone conferencing
The SSM2166 is an ideal companion product for audio codecs
used in computer systems. The SSM2166 is available in a 14-lead
SOIC package and is guaranteed for operation over the
extended industrial temperature range of −40°C to +85°C.
10
Guitar sustain effects generators
Computerized voice recognition
Surveillance systems
COMP RATIO = 10:1
COMP RATIO = 2:1
0
–10
–20
Karaoke and DJ mixers
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
COMP RATIO = 1:1
The SSM2166 integrates a complete and flexible solution for
conditioning microphone inputs in computer audio systems. It
is also excellent for improving vocal clarity in communications
and public address systems. A low noise, voltage-controlled
amplifier (VCA) provides a gain that is dynamically adjusted by
a control loop to maintain a set compression characteristic. The
compression ratio is set by a single resistor and can be varied
from 1:1 to over 15:1 relative to a user-defined rotation point;
signals above the rotation point are limited to prevent overload
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
–60
–50
–40
–30
–20
–10
0
INPUT (dBu)
Figure 1. Compression and Gating Characteristics with 10 dB of Fixed Gain (The
Gain Adjust Pin Can Be Used to Vary This Fixed Gain Amount)
FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM AND TYPICAL SPEECH APPLICATION
V+
R1
10kΩ
10µF
+
10µF (OPTIONAL)
+
V+
VCA
VCA
R
BUF OUT
BUFFER
IN
GAIN
ADJUST
5
3
4
14
2
1kΩ
2.3kΩ
–IN
6
7
OUTPUT
0.1µF
13
9
VCA
1kΩ
AUDIO
+IN
NOISE GATE
SET
500kΩ
17kΩ
R2
10kΩ
LEVEL
DETECTOR
CONTROL
11
+
1µF
SSM2166
ROTATION
SET
12
1
8
10
POWER DOWN
GND
AVG CAP
COMP RATIO SET
+
22µF
25kΩ
Figure 2.
Rev. F
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