compander

`Compander` is a portmanteau word derived from `compressor` and `expander` and describes a device designed to increase the dynamic range and/or improve the signal-to-noise ratio of an audio transmission, or recording and re-production chain. Until recently, companders were fairly compli-cated circuits. Now, however, they are available in the form of inte-grated circuits, one of which, the Exar XR 2216, is discussed in this article. This IC can be used in a variety of applications such as amateur radio, PA systems, tran-scription of recorded material from disc to tape etc.