Front panel audio header pinouts

The analog front panel header design lets OEMs and integrators place audio functionality on
the front panel of a PC system via a cabled up front panel dongle. This document describes
the header pinout configuration for connecting chassis with Intel High Definition Audio or
AC'97 audio cable up.
Note

Intel High Definition Audio headers are pin-compatible with AC'97 chassis and
connectors.

For Intel High Definition Front Panel Audio

Pin

Signal

Description

Pin

Signal

Description

PORT 1L

Analog Port 1 left channel

(Microphone)

GND

Ground

PORT 1R

Analog Port 1 right channel

(Microphone)

PRESENCE#

Active low signal

that signals BIOS
that an Intel HD
Audio dongle is
connected to the
analog header.
PRESENCE# = 0
when an Intel HD
Audio dongle is
connected

PORT 2R

Analog Port 2 right channel

(Headphone)

SENSE1_RETURN

Jack detection
return for front
panel (JACK1)

SENSE_SEND

Jack detection
sense line from
the Intel HD
Audio CODEC
jack detection
resistor network

PORT 2L

Analog Port 2 left channel

(Headphone)

KEY

No pin

10

SENSE2_RETURN

Jack detection
return for front
panel (JACK2)

For AC97 Front Panel Audio

Pin

Signal

Description

Pin

Signal

Description

MIC

Front panel
microphone input
signal (biased when
supporting stereo
microphone)

AUD_GND

Ground used by
analog

MIC_BIAS

Microphone power /
additional MIC input
for stereo microphone
support

AUD_GND

Ground used by
analog audio circuits

FP_OUT_R

Right channel audio

signal to front panel
(headphone drive
capable)

FP_RETURN_R

Right channel audio

signal return from
front panel (when
headphones
unplugged)

AUD_5V

Filtered +5 V used by
analog audio circuits

KEY

No pin

FP_OUT_L

Left channel audio

signal to front panel
(headphone drive
capable)

FP_RETURN_L

Left channel audio

signal return from
front panel (when
headphones
unplugged)

10