VS1053: A Close-Up Look at this Versatile MP3 Decoder

The VS1053 is a versatile decoder that reads MP3, AAC, WAV, MIDI, FLAC, WMA, and Ogg Vorbis audio formats.

This VLSI codec chip is part of the company’s slave audio processor family, and it has a versatility advantage because you can load software into the chip RAM to expand its functionality.

Let’s cover the features and functionality of this MP3 decoder chip below to learn more about it.

What is a VS1053 Chip?

As stated earlier, the VS1053 is a powerful and versatile audio playback chip. And in addition to decoding all the primary audio formats in the market, you can use the processor for recording applications.

It can handle this recording function in three formats, which include the 16-bit lossless PCM that gives the best audio quality. The other two are IMA ADPCM and the high-compression, high-quality Ogg Vorbis. But you need a software plugin for real-time Ogg Vorbis encoding.

On the decoding side, the chip can read eight file formats, which include the following.

• MP1 and MP2 (optional audio layers I and II for MPEG1 and MPEG2)
• MP3 (audio layer III for MPEG 1 & 2)
• Ogg Vorbis
• FLAC audio with software plugin (lossless format with up to 48kHz and 24 bits)
• MPEG4/2 AAC-LC(+PNS), level 3 HE-AAC v2 (SBR+PS)
• WAV (PCM+IMA ADPCM)
• General MIDI 1/SP-MIDI format 0
• All WMA profiles (4.0, 4.1, 7, 8, and 9) covering 5-384 kbps

For MP3 decoding, the chip combines CBR (Constant Bit Rate), VBR (Variable Bit Rate), and ABR (Average Bit Rate).

This chip comes in two variations.

• VS1053B-L: Houses all the encoding and decoding features above
• VS8053B-L: Lacks MP3, WMA, and HE-AAC decoders

Other Features

The VS1053 chip is more than an audio encoding and decoding chip because it has these extra features.

• Supports audio streaming
• Offers treble and bass controls
• Processes EarSpeaker spatial audio to simulate sound in a room with two loudspeakers
• Stereo headphone/earphone driver (30 ohm load maximum)
• Internal (on-chip) stereo digital-to-analog converter with zero phase error in between the channels

An infographic showing the difference between an ADC and a DAC

• I2S interface for linking to an external digital-to-analog converter
• UART interface for debugging
• Low power consumption with silent power on and off
• SPI flash boot for special applications
• Built-in PLL clock multiplier
• Runs using either a single 12-13 MHz or 24-26 MHz clock
• Smooth volume detection (zero cross-detection)
• Usable as a slave co-processor
• Separate voltages for the digital, analog, and GPIO pins
• Serial data and control interface

And remember, you can load software into the chip’s RAM using the eight VS1053 GPIO pins to increase these functions/features.

VS1053 Chip Detailed Breakdown

Physical Dimensions

The VS1053 comes as an LQFP-48 package that measures 7x7x1.4mm. LQFP is an acronym for Low-profile Quad-Flat Package, meaning the chip is thin (1.4mm) and is a surface-mount type with component leads or pins extending from the four sides.

A Quad-Flat Package with 32 pins

The number 48 implies the component leads are 48 or 12 on each side.

The package is Lead-free and RoHS-compliant (the electronic equipment does not have certain hazardous substances).

Pin Functions

Each pin has a specific function summarized in the table below.

AI (Analog Input Pins)

DI (Digital Input Pins/CMOS Input Pads)

DGND (Core or I/O Ground Pins)

CPWR (Core Power Supply Pins)

IOPWR (I/O Power Supply Pins)

DO (Digital Output Pins/CMOS Input Pads)

DIO (Digital Input/Output Pins)

AO (Analog Output Pins)

DO3 (Digital Output Pin/CMOS Tri-Stated Output Pad)

APWR (Analog Power Supply Pins)

AIO (Analog Input/Output Pin)

What Is a VS1053 MP3 Shield?

This shield expands the capabilities of the VS1053 chip and enables you to mount it on a microcontroller board, such as Arduino.

The component introduces the following features.

An MP3 shield

• A microphone for recording
• Stereo and headphone outputs
• Power indicator
• 2.8V and 3.3V LDO AMS-117 chips for supplying up to 800mA
• 12.288 MHz crystal
• SD card slot
• Single 5V DC power supply

Wrap Up

The VS1053 is a must-have chip for microcontroller audio projects because it has the required versatility, including multiple encoding and decoding formats. 

You can simplify its usage using the VS1053 MP3 shield, which plugs it into microcontroller boards. So you don’t have to solder the chip to a pad. 

You can read more about Arduino shields here, and contact us if you have any questions.