Audio Codec '97 (AC '97) Component Specification Rev 1.02 Is Released

The Audio Codec '97 Component Specification (aka "AC '97") is the result of Intel working with the industry to create a standard for very high quality (90dB SNR) audio solutions for Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) motherboards and add-in cards, as well as digital audio "outside the box" via Universal Serial Bus (USB) or 1394. The AC '97 architecture defines a 2-chip audio solution comprising a vendor specific scaleable digital audio controller, plus an industry standard high quality analog component which includes Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), mixer, and I/O. AC '97 also enables cost effective PCI combined audio/telephony solutions which incorporate modem data pump, audio/phone Codec, and line Codec into the 2-chip architecture.

Download the Audio Codec '97 Component Specification Revision 1.02, May 28, 1996 (278 KB, Adobe Acrobat* format)

Audio Codec '97 Press Release
Current AC '97 Specification Errata Sheet (available for download)
Current AC '97 Technical FAQ Sheet (coming soon)

A reciprocal, royalty-free, limited license is available to anyone who wishes to make use of this Audio Codec '97 specification. Please contact Intel at the address below for specific Audio Codec '97 licensing terms:

Intel Corporation,
2111 N.E. 25th Ave.
Hillsboro, OR 97124-5961
Attn: Bill Piwonka, M/S JF2-53

Those who signed the agreement will be automatically placed on the AC '97 mailing list to receive latest news and notifications of information update.

For follow up and future AC '97 development, it is the intention of the Intel Audio '97 team to interactively solicit industry wide input and feedback via this AC '97 Web page. Everyone who wishes to participate will have equal opportunity to comment on material as it is posted on the Web. Vendors are encouraged to monitor this AC '97 Web page and subscribe to the AC '97 mailing list (see below).

The System Design Guide for AC '97 is currently under construction, your input and feedback are welcome (see below):

Introduction and Overview of AC '97 (available for download)
AC '97 Component Recommendations (coming soon)
AC '97 PCI Audio Controller Recommendations (coming soon)
Desktop System Design Considerations (coming soon)
Implementing Legacy Audio on the PCI Bus (available for download)
Audio/Telephony Integration (available for download)
Audio Quality Measurement (available for download)
Digital Audio and the 1997 Desktop PC (available for download)
Hardware Acceleration and Re-direction of Audio Streams (available for download)
AC '97 Controller / AC '97 Interoperability Design Considerations (available for download)

Comments on the AC '97 Specification

The Intel Audio '97 team appreciates the high level of industry interest already generated by the AC '97 Component Specification, and the many suggestions that have already been submitted for advancing the AC '97 architecture in the future.

Intel welcomes comments and questions on the specification. Please send comments and questions to audio97@intel.com. Intel will not consider or treat any such feedback as the confidential information of the party providing it. Intel shall be free to use any such feedback at its discretion.

AC '97 Mailing List

Send your request to be added to the AC '97 mailing list to audio97@intel.com to receive notifications on any information update and AC '97 related news.

Legal stuff