Nisshinbo MUSES130 Audio LDO: Low-Noise Power to Complement MUSES Operational Amplifiers
High-end audio performance depends on both the signal path and its power supply. From I/V conversion and low-pass filtering to volume control, line amplification, and headphone amplification, stable, low-noise power helps establish the operating conditions required by sensitive analog circuitry.
The Nisshinbo MUSES130 is a 200 mA positive low-dropout regulator developed for analog circuits in high-fidelity audio equipment. Built using a bipolar process, it combines 9 μVrms typical output noise, 75 dB typical ripple rejection, and a compact, low-profile DFN package. It extends the MUSES approach from signal processing into power management, providing a supply option for operational amplifiers and other noise-sensitive analog stages.
Figure 1. The MUSES130 uses a DFN3030-8-GQ package measuring 3.0 × 3.0 × 0.75 mm.
Key Features and Specifications
| Parameter | MUSES130 Specification or Function |
|---|---|
| Product type | Positive LDO regulator for high-fidelity audio |
| Process technology | Bipolar |
| Operating input voltage | 2.3–19 V |
| Maximum input rating | 20 V; normal operation must remain within the specified operating range |
| Output voltage range | 1.8–17 V |
| Output current | 200 mA |
| Output noise | 9 μVrms typical; 10 Hz–80 kHz, IOUT = 10 mA, COUT = 100 μF |
| Ripple rejection | 75 dB typical at 1 kHz |
| Quiescent current | 200 μA typical |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to +125°C |
| Protection | Overcurrent protection and thermal shutdown |
| Package | DFN3030-8-GQ, 3.0 × 3.0 × 0.75 mm |
Extending MUSES from Signal Processing to Power Management
The MUSES family addresses high-end audio with signal-processing devices, including operational amplifiers. The MUSES130 extends this audio-focused approach to the supply rail, allowing developers to evaluate the signal path and power architecture as parts of the same design.
Circuit design, device layout, materials, and assembly technologies are selected with audio applications in mind. Combined with MUSES operational amplifiers, the MUSES130 provides a low-noise positive supply for I/V converters, filters, and amplification stages.
Figure 2. The MUSES portfolio extends from signal processing into power management for integrated audio-system design.
Nisshinbo is also developing a negative-voltage LDO to complement the MUSES130 in bipolar supply configurations. Mass production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. This remains a planned product, with availability subject to the manufacturer's announcements.
Powering the Analog Chain from Conversion to Output
After D/A conversion, an audio signal typically passes through analog amplification, volume control, and an output stage. Each circuit has its own supply requirements, making regulator selection an important part of system planning.
In the MUSES application architecture, MUSES100 supplies the D/A converter, while MUSES130 provides positive power for audio operational amplifiers and volume-control circuitry. Amplifier stages can be evaluated with MUSES devices or NL8802/NL8902, while volume control can use MUSES devices or NJU72322.
Figure 3. Example supply allocation from D/A conversion through volume control to analog output. The negative LDO is a planned product.
The MUSES130 supports a 1.8–17 V output range and 200 mA output current, allowing configuration around the requirements of each analog stage. In a bipolar audio circuit, the MUSES130 supplies the positive rail; a separate regulator is required for the negative rail.
Low Output Noise with Configurable Output Capacitance
The MUSES130 provides 9 μVrms typical output noise over a 10 Hz–80 kHz bandwidth at a 10 mA load with a 100 μF output capacitor. This operating point gives developers a reference for assessing supply noise alongside the requirements of sensitive analog stages.
Output capacitance is an important design variable. Under the conditions represented by the typical curves below, the 100 μF configuration has lower output noise than the 10 μF configuration. The comparison helps engineers evaluate noise performance against component size and board-space requirements. Final selection should also satisfy the manufacturer's stability and operating requirements.
Figure 4. Typical output noise versus output current. Conditions include VIN = 3.9 V and VOUT = 2.9 V, comparing COUT = 10 μF and 100 μF. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the remaining component values and measurement conditions.
75 dB Typical Ripple Rejection at 1 kHz
75 dB typical ripple rejection at 1 kHz complements the regulator's low output noise. Together, these characteristics allow the supply design to address both regulator-generated noise and disturbances arriving from the input rail.
Ripple rejection varies with frequency. Engineers can use the full characteristic curve to evaluate the frequencies relevant to their equipment, then coordinate grounding, power routing, and external capacitors before validating the complete system.
Figure 5. Typical ripple-rejection frequency characteristic. Reference conditions include VIN = 3.9 V, VOUT = 2.9 V, IOUT = 10 mA, and COUT = 10 μF.
A Reference Circuit for Low-Noise Supply Integration
The MUSES130 application circuit includes input decoupling, internal-regulator capacitance, noise-reduction components, and an output-feedback network. R1 and R2 establish the feedback configuration, with CFB, CNR, and the remaining capacitors selected according to the manufacturer's design guidance.
Figure 6. MUSES130 typical application circuit: CIN = 10 μF, CREG = 1 μF, CNR = 0.47 μF, CFB = 10 nF, and COUT = 10 μF.
This reference circuit uses a 10 μF output capacitor, whereas the 9 μVrms typical noise specification is associated with a 100 μF output capacitor. Developers can select the configuration around available space, load requirements, and noise targets, then verify stability, noise, and load-change behavior on the final PCB.
Low-Profile Packaging with Integrated Protection
The 3.0 × 3.0 × 0.75 mm DFN3030-8-GQ package provides layout flexibility in compact audio modules. The MUSES130 supports -40°C to +125°C operation and includes overcurrent protection and thermal shutdown, allowing normal operating requirements and fault conditions to be considered together.
Input-to-output voltage difference, load current, and PCB heat spreading should be evaluated as part of the complete thermal design. Combined power and audio measurements then establish how the regulator performs in the intended application. From amplification and volume control to positive-rail regulation, the MUSES portfolio supports a more coordinated audio design.
Contact AENEAS Electronics
Contact AENEAS Electronics Co., Ltd. for Nisshinbo MUSES130 product information, sample inquiries, and application selection for high-end audio, DAC analog output stages, line amplifiers, and headphone amplifiers.
Product specifications, typical characteristics, and operating conditions are subject to the latest manufacturer documentation.