Conexant Launches Family of Solutions for Embedded Audio Applications

Conexant Systems, Inc., a supplier of semiconductor solutions for imaging, audio, embedded-modem, and video applications, announced it has introduced a new family of audio system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for embedded audio and voice applications.

The CX2070X SoCs are targeted at growing audio opportunities in multimedia IP phones, personal navigation devices, portable media players, and mobile Internet devices. Additional applications include MP3 player docking stations, PC speaker systems, audio headsets, and unified communications systems that support services such as voice-over-IP telephony, speakerphone, and audio conferencing functionality. The SoCs can also be used to enable audio capabilities in intercom and door phone applications. The new audio solutions are shipping in pre-production quantities to customers now.

"We have applied our expertise in voice- and audio-enhancing algorithms to deliver a next-generation speakers-on-a-chip product family that allows us to expand our reach into growing, adjacent embedded audio and voice segments," said Rene Hartner, VP of marketing for Conexant. "These solutions feature a suite of Conexant-developed technical developments that improve audio and voice quality, and the user experience. In addition, a software configuration tool allows developers to customize audio systems and optimize listening experiences."

The CX2070X SoCs include an integrated audio/voice digital signal processor (DSP), multi-bit codec, digital and analog input/out interfaces, and a power efficient 2.5-watt per channel Class-D amplifier to drive stereo speakers or optional post-width modulation (PWM) and differential line-out for external speaker systems amplifiers. Features include Conexant-proprietary technical developments that improve audio and voice quality. These include:

- Sub-band Acoustic Echo Cancellation: A sub-band acoustic echo-cancellation algorithm eliminates speaker-to-microphone feedback while preserving natural sounding voice for echo-free voice conversations.

- Beam-forming: Signals captured by the array microphones are processed to form an adjustable, directional beam, which improves voice clarity by eliminating interfering speech and background noise. Beam-forming can be used to confine the microphone pick-up radius for private conversation, or to capture a 360-degree radius for conference call applications.

- End-to-end Noise Reduction: Two noise reduction filters for the incoming and outgoing audio streams eliminate ambient near- and far-end noises.

- Line Echo Cancellation: Advanced line echo filter that eliminates echo from twisted-pair crossover on a full duplex two-wire hybrid network.

- BrightSound: A suite of parametric equalization, dynamic range compression, and digital crossover algorithms that optimize speaker frequency response, boost loudness without clipping, and match speakers for up to 2.5 watt channel configuration.

- 3-D Virtual Immersion: A phase virtualization algorithm psychoacoustically "re-positions" the sound field, creating an immersive surround effect. It can also be tuned to create a headphone-like experience that concentrates sound on an intended listener without increasing the actual volume.

The CX2070X SPoCs are available in a variety of configurations. The new solutions can also be used with the company's CX92735 imaging SoC, enabling manufacturers to add audio capabilities to "connected" frames and interactive display devices.

Conexant's audio solutions include high-definition (HD) audio integrated circuits, HD audio codecs, and speakers-on-a-chip solutions for personal computers, PC peripheral sound systems, audio subsystems, speakers, notebook docking stations, voice-over-IP speakerphones, intercom, door phone, and audio-enabled surveillance applications.

The CX2070X product family is packaged in a 76-pin quad flat no-lead (QFN) package.

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