307013-003 Datasheet, PDF (49/848 Pages) Intel Corporation – Intel I/O Controller Hub 7

Introduction
Note:
Intel^® High Definition Audio Controller
The Intel^® High Definition Audio Specification defines a digital interface that can be
used to attach different types of codecs, such as audio and modem codecs. The ICH7
Intel HD Audio digital link shares pins with the AC-link. Concurrent operation of Intel
HD Audio and AC ’97 functionality is not supported. The ICH7 Intel HD Audio controller
supports up to 3 codecs.
With the support of multi-channel audio stream, 32-bit sample depth, and sample rate
up to 192 kHz, the Intel^® HD Audio controller provides audio quality that can deliver CE
levels of audio experience. On the input side, the ICH7 adds support for an arrays of
microphones.
The Intel HD Audio controller uses multi-purpose DMA engines, as opposed to
dedicated DMA engines in AC ’97 (Desktop and Mobile Only), to effectively manage the
link bandwidth and support simultaneous independent streams on the link. The
capability enables new exciting usage models with Intel HD Audio (e.g., listening to
music while playing multi-player game on the internet.) The Intel HD Audio controller
also supports isochronous data transfers allowing glitch-free audio to the system.
Users interested in providing feedback on the Intel High Definition Audio Specification
or planning to implement the Intel High Definition Audio Specification into a future
product will need to execute the Intel High Definition Audio Specification Developer’s
Agreement. For more information, contact [e-mail].
AC ’97 2.3 Controller (Desktop and Mobile Only)
The ICH7 integrates an Audio Codec '97 Component Specification, Version 2.3
controller that can be used to attach an audio codec (AC), a modem codec (MC), an
audio/modem codec (AMC) or a combination of ACs and a single MC. The ICH7
supports up to six channels of PCM audio output (full AC3 decode). For a complete
surround-sound experience, six-channel audio consists of: front left, front right, back
left, back right, center, and subwoofer. ICH7 has expanded support for up to three
audio codecs on the AC-link.
In addition, an AC '97 soft modem can be implemented with the use of a modem codec.
Several system options exist when implementing AC '97. The ICH7-integrated AC '97
controller allows up to three external codecs to be connected to the ICH7. The system
designer can provide AC '97 modem with a modem codec, or both audio and modem
with up to two audio codecs with a modem codec.
Intel ^® ICH7 Family Datasheet
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