When reviewing the datasheet, three metrics define the CX31993's performance:
The CX31993 can be integrated directly into USB-C headphones, providing a complete audio solution within the headphone itself. This eliminates the need for a separate dongle while maintaining high audio quality.
"Come on, you little dark horse," she urged, recalling the old forum posts that called it a budget giant. cx31993 datasheet
| Advantage | Description | | :--- | :--- | | | Flagship-level specifications (128dB SNR, 384kHz) at budget-friendly prices | | Driverless Operation | True plug-and-play across all major operating systems | | Extremely Low Power Consumption | Minimal impact on host device battery life | | Wide Headphone Compatibility | Drives everything from sensitive IEMs to 600Ω high-impedance headphones | | Built-in Microphone Support | Enables calls and voice applications | | No External Crystal Required | Simplifies design, reduces BOM cost, and improves reliability | | Excellent Measured Performance | Flat frequency response, low distortion, low crosstalk | | Widely Implemented and Tested | Proven in dozens of commercial products |
Offers surprising instrument separation and a wider soundstage compared to typical 3.5mm smartphone jacks. When reviewing the datasheet, three metrics define the
At price points typically below $50, the CX31993 offers exceptional value. When paired with a MAX97220 amplifier, it achieves performance levels that rival or exceed those of some desktop DACs from just a few years ago. The primary limitation compared to higher-end competitors (such as the CS43131) is the lack of native DSD decoding and more advanced filter options.
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+ | CONEXANT CX31993 SoC | | | | +------------------+ +------------------+ +----------+ | | | USB 2.0 PHY |<--->| Micro-programmed |<-->| Power | | | | (Type-C Native) | | Audio DSP Core | | Mgmt | | | +------------------+ +------------------+ +----------+ | | | | | +--------------------------+----------+ | | v v | | +------------------+ +--------------+ | | | Multi-bit Delta | | 24-bit Sigma | | | | Sigma Audio DAC | | Delta ADC | | | +------------------+ +--------------+ | | | ^ | | v | | | +------------------+ +--------------+ | | | Class G Stereo | | Microphone | | | | Headphone Amp | | Pre-Amp & | | | | (Capless Output) | | Jack Detect | | | +------------------+ +--------------+ | +---------|-------------------------------------|-----------------+ | | v (Left / Right Audio) ^ (Mic / Controls) +-----------------------------------------------------------------+ | 3.5mm TRRS Headphone Interface | +-----------------------------------------------------------------+ Key Functional Subsystems: | Advantage | Description | | :--- |
The CX31993 is a highly integrated, low-power designed specifically for USB Type-C connectors. Unlike passive adapters that merely reroute analog signals (which require a phone with a DAC built-in), the CX31993 is an active component. It negotiates the USB-C protocol, pulls digital audio data, converts it to analog, and amplifies it.