Programmable sound generator

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

A programmable sound generator (PSG) is a

noise. PSGs use a relatively simple method of creating sound compared to other methods such as frequency modulation synthesis or pulse-code modulation.[1]

Technical details

PSGs are controlled by writing data to dedicated registers on the chip via an external CPU; hence the name programmable sound generator. One or more basic waveforms are generated (typically a square, triangle or saw-tooth wave) and often a noise signal. The waveforms' frequency and volume (and noise's tone and volume) are typically shaped using an envelope and or mixed before being sent to the audio output stage.[1]

Many PSGs feature three tone channels and one noise channel including the AY-3-8910, SN76489 and MOS Technology 6581.

History

In the late 1970s, more electronic consumer devices began to be designed with audio features. PSG were partly developed as a way of incorporating relatively complex sounds at a low cost.

game consoles, and home computers
of the 1980s and 90s.

In 1978,

YM2149. These chips were used as the standard for the MSX computer standards 1 and 2, respectively. The features of this chip were also incorporated into other Yamaha sound chips including the YM2203 and YM2608 chips, these were also capable of FM synthesis. In the same year Atari designed the POKEY chip for its home computers and game systems. It incorporated a PSG.[3]

In 1979,

TI-99/4 computer. This was also used in the Tandy 1000 and IBM PCjr
.

In 1982, MOS Technology 6581 was produced for the Commodore 64.[4] The main chip in the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Ricoh 2A03, included a PSG.[3]

List of PSGs

Main article: List of sound chips § Programmable sound generators (PSG)

See also

References

  1. ^
    doi:10.1109/ISSCC.1979.1155925
    .
  2. ISSN 1558-4127
    .
  3. ^ a b "Sound generators of the 1980s home computers". www.atkinsoft.com. Retrieved 2019-12-02.
  4. ^ "Full Page Reload". IEEE Spectrum: Technology, Engineering, and Science News. Retrieved 2019-12-02.
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