Sound chip - Definition and Overview

A sound chip is an integrated circuit (i.e. "chip") designed to produce sound (see chiptune). It might be doing this through digital, analog or mixed-mode electronics. Sound chips normally contain things like oscillators, envelope controllers, samplers, filters and amplifiers.

Well known sound chips

• PSGs
  • Atari POKEY
  • MOS Technology SID
  • Yamaha YM2149 and G.I. AY-3-8192
  • Texas Instruments SN76489
  • Nintendo 2A03
  • Philips SAA 1099
• Yamaha OPL series (2 operator FM synthesis)
  • Yamaha YM3526 and Y8950 (a.k.a. OPL, FM Operator Type-L)
  • Yamaha YM3812 (a.k.a. OPL2)
  • Yamaha YMF262 (a.k.a. OPL3 - also has 4-operator capabilities)
  • Yamaha YM2413 (a.k.a. OPLL)
• Yamaha 4 operator FM synthesis series
  • Yamaha YM2203 (a.k.a OPN)
  • Yamaha YM2612 (a.k.a OPN2)
  • Yamaha YM2151 (a.k.a OPM)
  • Yamaha YM2164 (a.k.a OPP)
• Sample-based chips.
  • Amiga Paula chip
  • SPC700