AC97 Drivers

Back in 1997, Intel developed audio codec which now known to us as AC97. The codec has been designed in order to provide with standardized specifications for all developers for following while developing an integrated C audio device. AC97 codec architecture has been defined as high quality for the computer sound device that have the capacity to deliver a playback of 48 kHz/20 bit in the multi channel mode and playback of 96 kHz/20 bit stereo playback. The codec is phased its layout since then by an introduction of the Intel High Definition Audio in the year 2004. AC97 is also addressed with I/O standards for the modems with some modem codec which is usually known as the MC87 also combined modem/ an audio codec, mostly refereed as AMC97. The codec is a part of AC97 components.

AC97 includes certain typical features. It features 16-bit fully duplex audio stereo. It also features 48-pin QFP package pinout assignment. It has 1 to about 2 analog mono inputs and 1 to about 4 analog stereo inputs. The MIC input typically features programmable gain, AEC reference capability and 20 DB boost. It also features auxiliary, dedicated and internal mono stereo output. The feature of high quality analog output is simply fantastic. It features capability for comprehensive power management.

AC97 features some optional features too. It includes 20-bit or 18-bit DAC and ADC resolution. It also features loudness and tone controls and a 3D stereo enhancement. It features 3rd ADC input channel for the dedicated voice input. It includes Codec Interrupt generation, Reporting capability and capability for Jack sensing. It also features Philips Digital Interface transmitter or a Digital output by using Integrated Sony. The digital link, AC link would connect AC97 controller to AC97 codec. Actually the link is 5-wire which provided bi-directional TDM formats whose interface supports the connections of about 4 CODECs on just one single circuit card or board.

Audio outputs are supported by AC97 including the analog 6 channel for the front, amplified stereo headphone, analog stereo,  digital 5.1 channel output and the Surround Sound PC speaker systems, for supporting the home theatre equipment. Surround Sound PC speaker systems, codec wouldn’t necessarily cover up AC97 Digital Controller. In place, drivers are aided by controllers’ vendors that follow AC97 standards. The AC97 codec would also specify the power management, pin assignments, protocol, strapping, addressing, performance characteristics, slot assignments and more.

AC97 would help the PC standardized audio devices. But, computer users would be changing the way that PC would be used, when audio is the concerned area. AC97 was created back when people watched DVDs and music with the stereo sounds on computers. Today, people are very much accustomed to the multichannel audio formats for filling surround sound by using around six to about eight speakers.

Moreover, computers these days have become more of an entertainment media center that most often serves as main hub which distributes the entertainment throughout home. The home networking also much more of powerful computers these days have become possible for generating the multiple streams for video and audio from one PC but AC97 codec couldn’t keep up to such entertainment innovations. Therefore, the new Intel GD Audio codec came into existence.

Keep AC97 drivers up to date

If you have AC97 compatible devices, we recommend using Driver Detective to keep your AC97 drivers up to date all the time. Driver Detective accurately identifies all hardware devices on your PC, automatically locates the latest official drivers for these devices, and guides you through the installation process that's easy to follow.

Why wasting hours of your precious time manually looking for device driver updates for your computer while there is no guarantee of results? Click the button below to perform a FREE device driver scan that provides you with a comprehensive device driver status report and the latest device driver updates just at your finger tips.