MSGEQ7 Graphic Equalizer

The method in which this chip operates is that inside there are 7 band-pass filters, tuned to pass 7 frequencies: 63, 160, 400, 1000, 2500, 6250, and 16000 Hz. The output of each filter is connected to a peak detector, and then a multiplexer controlled by reset and strobe lines.

At each falling edge of the strobe line, the outputs of the filter peak detectors are sequentially placed on the analog output line of the chip. At start up the chip needs to be reset, accomplished by bringing the reset line high and cycling the strobe line. After the reset line is brought low, the strobe line can then be clocked to retrieve the 7 frequencies sequentially. After all 7 frequencies have been output, the chip starts back over at the first frequency.

Interfacing with the MSGEQ7

MSGEQ7 Pinout

In order to use the MSGEQ7, several external components are required. The following is the minimum BOM:

• 2 - 100 nF Capacitors
• 1 - 10 nF Capacitor
• 1 - 33 pF Capacitor
• 1 - 200 kΩ Resistor

In my example circuit, I did not have a 200 kΩ resistor, so I instead used 2 100 kΩ resistors in series. The signal input in my circuit is from a 3.5mm jack, with the signal line connected to the 'ring' of the jack and the grounds connected together. Note that this is a mono design, but could be converted to a stereo design by interfacing another MSGEQ7 and connecting it to the 'tip' connection on the jack.

The following is the circuit schematic to interface the MSGEQ7 to the Mbed:

More Info

Further implementation details can be found on the initial notebook page here http://developer.mbed.org/users/chrisisthefish/notebook/mbed-audio-spectrum-analyzer/