SN76489 Sound Generator Library

The SN76489 Sound Generator IC

SN76489 IC

The SN76489 Digital Complex Sound Generator (DCSG) is a TTL-compatible programmable sound generator chip from Texas Instruments. It provides:

• 3 programmable square wave tone generators (122Hz to 125kHz)
• 1 noise generator (white noise and periodic noise at 3 different frequencies)
• 16 different volume levels
• Simultaneous sounds

Its main historical application was the generation of music and sound effects in microprocessor systems. It was extensively used in early game consoles, arcade games and home computers.

This library implements functions that manage the sound and noise generation interface to the SN76489 IC through a clean API encapsulating the basic functionality provided by the hardware.

Additionally, the library provides programmable ADSR envelope management of the sounds produced, allowing a more versatile sound output with minimal programming effort.

Topics

• Hardware Connections
• Using the Library
• ADSR Envelope
• Compiler Switches
• Revision History
• Copyright
• Support the Library

References

• On-line IC datasheet at http://members.casema.nl/hhaydn/howel/parts/76489.htm
• Additional technical information from http://www.smspower.org/Development/SN76489