Schottky Diode,Schottky Barrier Diode,Schottky Diode Forward Voltage,Sic Schottky Diode Shenzhen Kaixuanye Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.icoilne.com
In 2012, when vivo introduced the independent DAC in the X1 model, the Hi-Fi smartphone trend began to take off. Since then, many smartphones have integrated dedicated Hi-Fi chips. However, consumers often find themselves confused by the various chip models and their functions—DACs, ADCs, DSPs, op amps, amplifiers, codecs, and standalone DACs. Additionally, the combination of Hi-Fi chips is not always straightforward; even chips from the same manufacturer or with similar functions can vary significantly. The question remains: what are the differences between Hi-Fi chips with different functions or those from different manufacturers? Today, we’ll break down six key terms: DAC, ADC, DSP, codec, op amp, and amplifier.
ADC and DAC
An ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) is a chip that converts analog signals into digital data, such as the TLV320 ADC. A DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), like the ES9028, performs the opposite function, converting digital signals back into analog form. Typically, ADCs are used for recording, while DACs are used for playback. Between these two, the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) handles the intermediate processing of the digital signal. The process begins with an analog input being converted by the ADC, then processed by the DSP, and finally sent to the DAC for decoding and output as an analog signal.
Op Amp and Amplifier
An amplifier is a general term for a device that boosts signal strength, but it's not a specific chip type. Inside an amplifier, there may be multiple op-amp chips, such as the OPA1612 and OPA2604. Some op-amps are designed for external speakers, while others are optimized for headphone use. For example, the NXP TFA9890 works only for external devices, while the Maxim MAX97220 is tailored for headphones. The OPA1612 and OPA2604, on the other hand, can handle both applications.
Codec and Standalone DAC
Many people assume that codecs are always integrated within the SoC (System-on-Chip), while standalone DACs are placed externally. However, this isn’t always true. In fact, some codecs are also independent audio chips. For instance, the WCD9335 in Samsung and Apple phones is a separate audio chip, not part of the main SoC. Similarly, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 version of the Samsung S7 uses the WCD9335, which is considered a standalone audio chip. However, its performance is not as strong as the CS4398 DAC. This brings up the question: why don't more phones use a standalone DAC alongside the codec?
A codec integrates multiple audio-related functions, including ADC, DAC, and amplification. For example, the AK4961 includes ADC, DAC, and amplifier capabilities, making it a complete audio solution. While this offers convenience, the integration means more functions are handled simultaneously, which can reduce decoding efficiency and sound quality compared to a dedicated DAC.
In recent years, a popular Hi-Fi solution has been using three chips, such as the TLV320 ADC + CS4398 DAC + MAX97220 in the vivo Xshot. With the introduction of high-integration DACs like the SABRE9018Q2C and ES9118, which combine DAC and op-amp functions, the industry has started to favor this new approach. These chips save internal space in the phone and allow for better stacking of Hi-Fi components, balancing decoding performance with efficiency.
Now let’s look at some of the mainstream Hi-Fi chips available today, including standalone DACs, DACs with integrated op-amps, and codecs.
Independent DAC Series:
- **ES9018K2M**: Used in the vivo X3, Xplay3S, X5Max, Xiaomi Note standard, Meizu MX4 Pro, Meizu PRO 5, Blue Devils MOS1 Max, TCL Dongdong Gun 2, Gigaset ME, and Gigaset ME Pro.
- **SABRE9018C2M**: Found in the LG V10, Lenovo Music Lemon X3, and Xiaomi Note top.
- **ES9018AQ2M**: Used in the Geek Out V2 portable DAC/amp, which requires a phone with sufficient USB power. It’s not ideal for long-term use due to heat and power consumption.
- **ES9028Q2M**: Seen in the vivo X6 Plus and Xplay5 Ultimate.
- **ES9028C2M**: Used in the LG G5 B&O Hi-Fi Module.
- **AK4490**: Found in the ZTE Tianji 7.
- **AK4375**: Used in the nubia Z9 Max, Z9 Max Elite, My Prague, vivo X5ProV, Y27, X6, and X6S, as well as the Gigaset ME Pure.
- **CS4398**: Present in the early vivo X1, Xplay, Xshot, X5, X5F, X5Pro, Xplay5, and X6S Plus.
Many users wonder about the differences between suffixes like C2M, Q2M, and K2M. These refer to different package sizes. C2M is the smallest, followed by K2M, and Q2M is the largest. The ES9028C2M used in the LG G5 B&O module is one of the best in terms of performance, but it still faces issues with heat and power consumption, similar to the Geek Out V2.
DAC with Integrated Op-Amp:
- **AK4376**: Found in the nubia Z11 and vivo X7.
- **ES9118**: No specific model yet.
- **SABRE9018Q2C**: Also no specific model.
Codec Series:
- **338S1285**: iPhone 6s
- **338S1201**: iPhone 6 Plus
- **338S1117**: iPhone 5
- **CS47L91**: Samsung S7 (Exynos 8890)
- **CS43L36**: Meizu PRO 6
- **WM5102**: Samsung S4, Meizu MX3, Lenovo K860i
- **WCD9335**: Samsung S7 (Snapdragon 820)
- **AK4961**: nubia Z7 and Z9
In summary, while many phones use these chips, their performance varies greatly depending on factors like power supply size, number of op-amps, and overall design. For example, the ES9018K2M on a phone is a smaller version of the full ES9018, which is 8-channel, while the phone version is only 2-channel. The ES9018 has much better dynamic range and SNR than the ES9018K2M. HIFIMAN 901, for instance, uses two ES9018 DACs and advanced op-amps like OPA2107 and OPA627, far surpassing typical Hi-Fi phones.
As shown in the chart, the ES9018K2M is gradually closing the gap with the ES9028Q2M/C2M. Meanwhile, the new ES9038PRO continues to push performance limits, achieving higher DNR and lower THD+N.
Looking ahead, the future of Hi-Fi mobile phones will likely see more DACs with integrated op-amps, offering better sound quality while saving internal space. However, better performance often comes at the cost of battery life and heat generation, just like when handling 4K video. Superior audio and video quality require trade-offs, and this is an ongoing challenge in mobile technology.
September 18, 2025