# AC'97

> audio codec

**Wikidata**: [Q289839](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q289839)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC'97)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ac-97

## Summary
AC'97 (Audio Codec '97) is a technical standard for audio codecs developed by Intel Architecture Labs in 1997. It serves as an audio interface, enabling computers to process and transmit audio signals, and was widely adopted before being succeeded by Intel High Definition Audio.

## Key Facts
- Developed by Intel Architecture Labs and introduced in 1997.
- Classified as a technical standard and a subclass of audio interface.
- Followed by Intel High Definition Audio as its successor.
- Known by multiple aliases, including AC '97, MC'97, ICH AC97, and AC-97.
- Associated with the Wolfson WM9705 AC97 decoder, as depicted in the provided image.
- Has a Wikidata entry with 16 sitelinks, including Wikipedia articles in multiple languages (e.g., English, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Chinese).
- Referenced in academic sources, including a Freebase ID (/m/01pwm_) and a Microsoft Academic ID (2779879393, now discontinued).
- Described as an audio codec in its Wikidata entry.

## FAQs
**What is AC'97?**
AC'97 is a technical standard for audio codecs developed by Intel in 1997. It functions as an audio interface, allowing computers to process and transmit audio signals efficiently.

**Who developed AC'97?**
AC'97 was developed by Intel Architecture Labs, a research and development division of Intel.

**What replaced AC'97?**
AC'97 was succeeded by Intel High Definition Audio, which offered improved audio quality and features.

**What are some common aliases for AC'97?**
AC'97 is also known as AC '97, MC'97, ICH AC97, AC97 audio, Audio Codec ’97, Audio Codec 97, Audio codec '97, AC-97, and MC97.

**Where can I find more information about AC'97?**
You can find more information about AC'97 on its Wikidata page, Wikipedia articles in multiple languages, and the Debian Wiki.

## Why It Matters
AC'97 played a crucial role in standardizing audio interfaces for computers, ensuring compatibility and consistent audio quality across different hardware platforms. Its introduction in 1997 marked a significant advancement in computer audio technology, facilitating the integration of audio capabilities into personal computers. By providing a uniform standard, AC'97 enabled manufacturers to develop compatible audio hardware, which in turn drove the adoption of multimedia applications and enhanced the user experience. Although it has been succeeded by more advanced standards like Intel High Definition Audio, AC'97's impact on the evolution of computer audio remains significant.

## Notable For
- Being one of the first widely adopted audio codec standards for computers.
- Developed by Intel Architecture Labs, a leading research and development division.
- Serving as a precursor to Intel High Definition Audio, which built upon its foundation.
- Having multiple aliases, reflecting its widespread recognition and usage in the industry.
- Being referenced in various academic and technical sources, highlighting its importance in the field of audio interfaces.

## Body
### History and Development
AC'97, or Audio Codec '97, was developed by Intel Architecture Labs and introduced in 1997. This technical standard was designed to provide a uniform interface for audio codecs, enabling computers to process and transmit audio signals efficiently. The development of AC'97 was a significant milestone in the evolution of computer audio technology, as it standardized the way audio was handled across different hardware platforms.

### Technical Specifications and Classification
AC'97 is classified as a technical standard and a subclass of audio interface. It is specifically designed to interface audio signals with a computer, making it an essential component in the audio processing chain. The standard is known by multiple aliases, including AC '97, MC'97, ICH AC97, and AC-97, reflecting its widespread recognition and usage in the industry.

### Successor and Legacy
AC'97 was succeeded by Intel High Definition Audio, which offered improved audio quality and features. Despite being replaced, AC'97's impact on the evolution of computer audio remains significant. It laid the foundation for subsequent audio standards and played a crucial role in the adoption of multimedia applications.

### References and Resources
AC'97 is well-documented in various academic and technical sources. It has a Wikidata entry with 16 sitelinks, including Wikipedia articles in multiple languages such as English, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Chinese. Additionally, it is referenced in the Debian Wiki and has been cited in academic sources, including a Freebase ID (/m/01pwm_) and a Microsoft Academic ID (2779879393, now discontinued).

### Image and Visual Representation
An image of the Wolfson WM9705 AC97 decoder is available on Wikimedia Commons, providing a visual representation of the hardware associated with the AC'97 standard. This image serves as a reference for understanding the physical implementation of the audio codec.

### Community and Language Support
AC'97 has a strong presence in the technical community, with documentation and resources available in multiple languages. This widespread support highlights its global adoption and importance in the field of audio interfaces. The availability of resources in various languages ensures that developers and users worldwide can access information about AC'97, facilitating its implementation and usage.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013