April 2, 2012 Audio processor maker Audience is reverse engineering the human hearing system to make shouting down the phone in a noisy nightclub a thing of the past. Read more

March 28, 2012 Texas Instruments Incorporated has introduced the C5000 ultra-low-power digital signal processor (DSP)-based Audio Capacitive Touch BoosterPack which enables new functionalities in microcontroller applications, including crystal clear audio with playback and recording capabilities. Read more

March 21, 2012 XMOS , developer of the industry’s first event-driven 32-bit embedded processor, is releasing the company’s third generation family which delivers up to 700 MIPS of real-time performance per core combined with integrated analog functionality, enabling the highest quality, multi-channel USB audio applications. Read more

March 16, 2012 HiWave Technologies has launched a single channel audio power amplifier for the consumer and Hi-Fi market. The HiAS2001-QNC-010 delivers 13W burst and 3W continuous power output and is over 10 times more efficient at typical listening levels than comparable Class D amplifiers. The HiAS2001 uses HiWave's proprietary Audium technology to create the highly power efficient switching audio power amplifier, optimised to operate directly from a low voltage (0.8 - 1.8V) battery source. Read more

March 13, 2012 Crystek Corporation has launched the CCHD-957, an ultra-low phase noise HCMOS clock oscillator with standby mode, featuring an extremely low close-in phase noise of -100 dBc/Hz at 10Hz offset and a typical noise floor of -170 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset. This makes the HCMOS clock oscillator family an industry-leading choice for use in applications such as: DACs (digital-to-analog converters), ADCs (analog-to-digital converters), DAB (digital audio broadcasting), and professional CD audio equipment. Read more

March 2, 2012 Merus Audio has raised EUR 1.7 million in its Series A round of financing to help develop audio amplifier ICs targeting a wide range of high-volume consumer electronics applications, including iPod/MP3 speakers, surround and stereo systems, soundbars and TVs. Read more

February 29, 2012 Quicker development of digital audio equipment – from hi-fi quality to low-cost, low-power embedded or industrial audio – is being made possible with the introduction of the new Audio Streamer Micro-Blox development board from broadline distributor Future Electronics. Read more

February 24, 2012 Tensilica and Sensory are partnering to bring Sensory's TrulyHandsfree Voice Control to Tensilica’s leading HiFi Audio DSPs (digital signal processors ) for SOC (system-on-chip) designs. TrulyHandsfree Voice Control allows users to deliver commands from as far as 20 feet away or in high noise conditions, making it an ideal solution for controlling devices while multitasking or in the car where users need to focus on driving. Read more

January 30, 2012 Audio Precision has released a new pulse density modulation (PDM) I/O option for its APx500 series audio analyzers. PDM is a one-bit, high clock rate data stream used with digital MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) microphones used extensively in smartphone design. The APx PDM option allows APx500 series audio analyzers to connect directly to any device with a PDM input or output, enabling comprehensive testing of audio in the fast-moving telecom industry. Read more

January 11, 2012 STMicroelectronics has introduced a high-performance, analog class-D audio amplifier that is claiming best-in-class power density. The achievement will allow equipment manufacturers to combine superior audio quality with a small form factor in next-generation home and professional sound systems and active-speaker applications. Read more

January 6, 2012 Crystek has launched the CCHD-957, a new ultra-low phase noise HCMOS clock oscillator with standby mode, featuring an extremely low close-in phase noise of -100 dBc/Hz at 10Hz offset and a typical noise floor of -170 dBc/Hz at 100kHz offset. This performance makes Crystek's HCMOS Clock Oscillator family suitable for use in applications such as DACs, ADCs, digital audio broadcasting and professional CD audio equipment. Read more

January 6, 2012 Crystek Corporation has launched the CCHD-957, a new Ultra-Low Phase Noise HCMOS Clock Oscillator with Standby Mode, featuring a low close-in phase noise of -100 dBc/Hz @ 10 Hz offset and a typical noise floor of -170 dBc/Hz @ 100kHz offset. The performance makes Crystek's HCMOS Clock Oscillator family an ideal choice for use in applications such as: DACs (digital-to-analog converters), ADCs (analog-to-digital converters), DAB (digital audio broadcasting), and professional CD audio equipment. Read more

December 27, 2011 Teetering on the brink of 2012 we can now unveil EE Times Europe Analog's Top 10 most popular news stories of 2011. The results are based on the news stories that were accessed by EE Times Europe Analog's readership since January 1, 2011. Read more

November 29, 2011 Analog Devices, Inc. has introduced a 16-channel audio D/A converter that is capable of improving audio system performance and reducing power consumption for professional, ‘prosumer’ and automotive audio equipment applications. Read more

November 29, 2011 Motion29 has introduced Patlite's super skinny MP3 voice annunciator, the BSV model with a depth of just 19.9mm, nearly 80% slimmer than the BDV model. The unit is designed to complement the miniaturization of modern production line equipment. It is easy to install, requiring less labour time than traditional models, and incorporates a built-in sound reduction function to limit noise pollution and power dissipation. Despite its slim build, a maximum sound of 87 dB (at 1m) can be reached in normal operation mode. Read more

November 18, 2011 ROHM has developed a USB audio decoder IC that enables audio playback of MP3 files from CD-ROM and USB memory using a single chip, making it ideal for a variety of equipment, including AV receivers, radio players, and stereo component systems. Read more

November 14, 2011 NXP Semiconductors N.V. has introduced two new automotive audio amplifiers supporting energy-saving start-stop systems – the TDF8530 and TDF8546. The TDF8530 is an ultra-efficient quad-channel Class-D audio amplifier supporting the 6 V requirement for start-stop vehicles. Read more

November 14, 2011 Texas Instruments, through its acquisition of National Semiconductor, has developed launched the first in a new family of spatial audio signal processor and amplifiers that aims to enhance the quality of sound in laptops and tablet PCs as well as sound bars for TVs. Read more

November 1, 2011 Wolfson Microelectronics plc has unveiled WM8861 and WM8862, two new high definition audio devices targeting PCs and laptops. The new devices claim to offer up to 5x better audio quality than other solutions available in the market today, with a DAC signal-to-noise ratio of 105 dB and true 2 Vrms capless output capability. Used in conjunction with the advanced power management features of Wolfson's Clarity Audio Studio PC software the WM8861 and WM8862 can also extend the battery life of a typical notebook PC by up to 30 minutes. Read more

October 27, 2011 austriamicrosystems has made two new additions to the company’s Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) IC family for improved hearing in noisy environments. Both the AS3400 and AS3420 feature the lowest power available, resulting in at least 20% longer battery life than other ANC solutions. Read more

October 24, 2011 Nordic Semiconductor ASA and digital audio converter specialist AKM Semiconductor Inc. have developed the nRFready Microphone reference design kit that provides a complete two-microphone audio streaming solution based on the Nordic nRF2460 2.4 GHz mono audio streamer and AKM ADC/DAC audio converters. Read more

October 21, 2011 STMicroelectronics has expanded the company’s sensor portfolio with a new high-performance, low-power digital MEMS microphone. Housed inside an ultra-small 3 x 4 x 1 mm package, ST’s MP34DT01 top-port microphone delivers a best-in-class audio experience in mobile phones, tablets and other smart consumer devices. Read more

October 21, 2011 The two system-on-chip (SoC) solutions in TI’s PurePath wireless audio product family are aimed at delivering uncompressed, CD-quality wireless multichannel and multipoint audio streaming capabilities to consumer applications with USB ports, such as PCs, TVs, set top boxes, game consoles and more. Read more

October 19, 2011 Quickfilter Technologies has introduced a 3-channel audio processor that is designed for seamless insertion into an audio serial digital data path. The single-chip QF3DFX Profound Sound Audio Processor is easily configured using the Quickfilter QFPro Design Software with royalty- free user-tunable advanced audio algorithms for psychoacoustic effects such as bass enhancement, high frequency restoration, and virtual surround sound. Read more

September 21, 2011 JVD Inc, provider of analog and mixed-signal ASIC design, manufacturing and test services, announced its JurASIC Parts Program, a design service that focuses on bringing obsolete and non-linear audio (NLA) analog ICs back into production to meet the needs of older commercial and military applications. Read more

September 16, 2011 Model 2253 is a compact and robust USB-compatible audio/video codec that is powered from a single USB port. Its 38x70mm footprint and low power consumption (1.5 Watts) make it well suited for both portable and embedded applications. The unit is capable of simultaneously producing two different video streams from its single composite input and sending the streams out over USB. Read more

August 16, 2011 ON Semiconductor Corporation has introduced the NCN1188, which is claimed to be the industry's first 3:1 high speed USB switch with the capacity to support the new Mobile High Definition Link (MHLTM) interface standard for High Definition (HD) video and digital audio. Read more

August 5, 2011 STMicroelectronics has released two new Sound Terminal digital-audio system-on-chip ICs for home-entertainment applications, which will enable smaller new-product designs while also running cooler to help designers meet tough product-safety requirements. Read more

August 3, 2011 ON Semiconductor has introduced the NCS8353 stereo audio amplifier, a Class D device with high efficiency levels (>87%), that elimates the need for the inclusion of a heatsink in the system design. Read more

July 22, 2011 Wolfson Microelectronics plc has unveiled what the company claims is the world's first Audio System-on-a-Chip (SoC), integrating a high performance, low power, multi-channel Audio Hub, with full transmit path (Tx) noise cancellation, receive path (Rx) noise cancellation and Wolfson's myZone adaptive Ambient Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology in one device. Read more

July 19, 2011 STMicroelectronics is to collaborate with Soundchip SA, a Swiss-based electro-acoustics consultancy and originator of the High Definition Personal Audio (HD-PA) Standard, to bring HD-PA to market by applying their respective strengths in audio system and semiconductor technology, product design and industrialization methods, audio software and sales and marketing. Read more

July 18, 2011 Microchip has developed a PIC32-based development kit targeting high-quality audio applications such as home entertainment systems, automotive sound systems and portable audio players. Described as a complete platform that doesn't break the budget for high quality audio, it can also interface for Microchip's development platform of the iPod and iPhone. Read more

July 15, 2011 Maxim Integrated Products has introduced a highly integrated stereo audio codec that improves audio performance and prevents speaker damage. An easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) eases the design in of the MAX98089. To minimize the number of discrete components required in the solution, integrated jack detection detects the insertion and removal of accessories as well as button presses. Read more

June 28, 2011 Nordic Semiconductor ASA has unveiled of the company’s Nordic nRF2460 audio streamer IC that claims to offer class-leading power optimization and performance specifically for cost-sensitive battery-powered mono (single channel) wireless audio applications such as microphones (e.g. home karaoke and conference), subwoofers (home cinema), musical instruments (wireless audio adapters), and gaming (e.g. singing game mics). Read more

June 24, 2011 HiWave Technologies PLC has released the first in a family of High Aspect Ratio Panel (HARP) speaker drivers. The HIBM110H08-8 Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) speaker driver uses the company's Bending Wave Technology to create a high audio quality, full-range speaker driver shaped to open up new audio applications. Read more

June 22, 2011 Wolfson Microelectronics plc has unveiled the company's latest high performance ultra-low power stereo digital-to-analog converter (DAC) which delivers superior audio to portable applications including mobile phones, tablet PCs, wireless headsets, multimedia players and handheld gaming devices. Read more

June 7, 2011 Clarion Co., Ltd. has selected Cypress Semiconductor’s CapSense touch-sensing solution to drive the touch panel featured in the dashboard of the Suzuki MR Wagon. The touch panel houses the main audio control and is used for volume control and channel selection. Read more

June 6, 2011 Fairchild Semiconductor is stepping up its efforts to address what the company claims is one of the most significant challenges facing audio applications in the mobile industry today – the need to meet consumer demand for multimedia mobile devices that offer smaller speakers, sound louder and better, while minimizing impact on battery life. Read more

May 25, 2011 Laird Technologies, Inc., has released its enhanced Bluetooth BTM510/511and BTM520/521 wireless stereo audio modules with new firmware update. Read more

May 5, 2011 STMicroelectronics' Sound Terminal digital audio SoC supports up to 50W of output power, without requiring any external heatsink. The STA350BW has digital audio processing on the chip and features performance enhancing innovations pioneered by ST such as Multiband Dynamic Range Compression (MDRC), which boosts audio clarity and system reliability. Read more

April 21, 2011 International Rectifier has introduced the IRS2052M 2-Channel Class D Audio IC for high performance home theater systems and car audio amplifiers. Read more

February 4, 2011 STMicroelectronics has unveiled an audio processing chip that connects directly to the latest miniature microphones and provides a new way of boosting performance from small, low-cost, or even damaged speakers. The device allows customers to deliver market-leading miniaturized audio products offering outstanding sound quality. Read more

February 3, 2011 Diodes Incorporated is meeting demands for higher performance audio without an increase in BOM cost by introducing dual channel op-amps that offer a low input noise performance of 8 nV/√Hz at 1 kHz. Read more

January 10, 2011 When Apple dropped Wolfson Microelectronics from their design sockets (including iPod Nano, iPod Touch, 3GS iPhone) a few years ago, the news sent its stock price tumbling, dragged the company into consecutive quarterly losses, and generally made Wolfson look as though it had lost its mojo. Read more

January 7, 2011 Wolfson Microelectronics plc is bringing High Definition (HD) Audio performance to PCs and laptops with the release of its new HD Audio product line for PCs and laptops. Read more

January 7, 2011 Atmel Corporation is collaborating with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower, a subsidiary of Bang & Olufsen specializing in high-performance class D audio solutions, to provide an end-to-end audio platform for premium-quality audio playback. The result of the collaboration is an audio reference design that provides premium-quality sound combining the Atmel AVR UC3 32-bit microcontroller with the Bang & Olufsen ICEpower’s MobileSound 3 - a fully digital, low-power single chip stereo Class D speaker amplifier, headphone amplifier and audio digital signal processor. Read more

January 6, 2011 HiWave Technologies PLC is launching the company’s DyadUSB kit for rapid development of USB-powered consumer audio systems. The new kit provides a complete development environment that enables designers to fully evaluate its DyadUSB platform and components. Read more

January 5, 2011 Wolfson Microelectronics plc has signed a licence agreement with audio processing specialist Oxford Digital Limited to use its digital signal processor (DSP) core in a selection of Wolfson’s industry-leading Audio Hub products. Read more

December 17, 2010 NXT announced combined haptic touch and audio exciters for touch panels and screens in industrial, home automation, automotive and consumer electronic products. When used with NXT driver modules, a pair of NXHX14C exciters disperses bending waves evenly across the surface of touch panels so that users experience the effect of depressing mechanical keys when touching the panel surface. The simulated mechanical movement enhances the human interface enabling faster and more accurate keystrokes. Read more

December 13, 2010 Dialog Semiconductor will enter a new phase of its long metamorphosis when it announces Monday (December 13th) a real-time 2-D-to-3-D video conversion IC designed for portable devices. Read more

December 2, 2010 CML Microcircuits has added a new audio scrambler and sub-audio signaling processor, the CMX148, to the company’s family of analog two way radio ICs. The device is intended for use in general leisure and professional PMR terminals in a worldwide market. Read more

November 29, 2010 Samsung Electronics has adopted the DA7211 audio codec IC from Dialog Semiconductor plc to deliver the highest level of audio performance in its YP-Q3AB MP3 player. Read more

November 18, 2010 International Rectifier has introduced the IRS2053M 200 V driver IC for use in Class D Audio applications including high performance home theater systems and car audio amplifiers requiring a compact footprint. Read more

November 8, 2010 At Electronica in Munich, Germany, ON Semiconductor (Hall A5, Stand 225) is introducing four new devices designed to support portable and consumer electronics applications. Read more

November 8, 2010 Fairchild Semiconductor has developed the FSA8008 audio jack detection and configuration switch as a one-chip audio jack detector and switch for 3- or 4-pole accessories. While current solutions use several discrete components (dual comparator, analog switch and MOSFET) with software control to meet this need, the FSA8008 integrates the functionality into a single device, simplifying designs, and saving up to 70 percent of the board space and up to 15 percent bill of material (BOM) costs. Read more

October 27, 2010 Wolfson Microelectronics plc has introduced the WM8958 audio hub solution, which is designed to enable high definition (HD) audio in portable multimedia applications, such as  smartphones, tablet computers, eBooks and navigation devices. Read more

October 26, 2010 Integrated Device Technology, Inc. is claiming the world's first family of high-definition PC audio codecs to feature the DDX-based class-D modulation technology developed by Apogee Technology. The efficient 3-state modulation technique extends battery life, eliminates pops and clicks, and reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) in notebook and desktop audio systems. Read more

October 19, 2010 Conexant Systems, Inc., has introduced a new power-efficient stereo audio codec targeted at consumer electronics products including mobile Internet devices, smartbooks, and Web tablets. Read more

October 13, 2010 MSC Vertriebs GmbH is making available what the company is claiming to be the industry's first kHz frequency silicon MEMS oscillator. Si Time manufactures the oscillator for audio, microcontroller and high reliability industrial applications. Read more

September 22, 2010 MSC Vertriebs GmbH is making available Si Time's SiT8503, which is claimed to be the industry’s first kHz frequency silicon MEMS oscillator of the for audio, microcontroller and high reliability industrial applications. Read more

September 14, 2010 Intersil Corporation has signed an agreement with audio expert, Mark Levinson which will see him partner with Intersil to jointly develop custom-tuned audio amplifier solutions that provide audiophile-quality music and sound for the next-generation of consumer products from portable music players to upscale music and home theater systems. Read more

September 3, 2010 Maxim Integrated Productsste has introduced an integrated stereo audio codec that applies Maxim's FLEXSOUND audio processor technology to offer improved loudspeaker performance by optimizing the signal level and frequency response, while limiting the maximum distortion and power at the output to prevent speaker damage. Read more

August 31, 2010 Dialog Semiconductor's DA9052 system level power management (PMIC) and DA7210 Class G audio ICs have been incorporated in the Renesas Electronics' SH7724 reference platform, which is now shipping and generally available. Read more

August 27, 2010 CML Microcircuit has added a new Audio Scrambler and Sub-audio Signalling Processor to the company's family of analog two-way radio ICs.        Read more

August 18, 2010 NXT plc, has unveiled a high-efficiency, USB powered stereo amplifier module that delivers boost audio power of 15 W per channel from a standard USB port. Incorporating NXT's recently Audium amplifier chip technology, the DyadUSB amplifier module is matched to NXT's Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) speakers. Read more

July 29, 2010 Wolfson Microelectronics plc has introduced an ultra low power stereo audio hub, the WM8962, which is designed to deliver crystal clear audio to portable digital applications, such as e-Book readers, tablets, multimedia mobile phones, games consoles and digital still cameras and camcorders. Read more

July 28, 2010 National Semiconductor Corp. is claiming the industry’s first analog audio subsystem with integrated noise reduction for use in smartphones and full-featured phones. The PowerWise LM49155 improves the talker’s voice-signal-to-background-noise ratio while retaining natural speech quality. Read more

July 27, 2010 Virage Logic Corporation has released the company’s ARC Sound AS221BD dual-core processor for High Definition (HD) Audio System-on-Chips (SoCs) targeting Blu-ray Disc 7.1 channel 192 kHz/24-bit output HD Audio processing applications. Read more

June 21, 2010 National Semiconductor Corp. has acquired the technology of GTronix of Fremont, California, USA, a fabless semiconductor company specializing in programmable and adaptive analog sensory processing technology. Read more

June 16, 2010 Laird Technologies, Inc., is licensing apt-X audio codec technology for use in its Bluetooth BTM510/511 and BTM520/521 wireless stereo audio modules. Read more

June 15, 2010 Mixed-signal IC vendor SMSC Monday (June 14) said it acquired Wireless Audio IP BV, a Dutch fabless audio chip vendor, for $22 million in cash plus performance-based payments worth up to $3 million. Read more

June 8, 2010 Fairchild Semiconductor has developed a new USB transceiver and USB accessory detection switch that offers functional enhancements without adding design complexity or increasing space and power in mobile designs. Read more

June 8, 2010 Cirrus Logic Inc.has introduced a pair of audio ICs targeted for smartphones and mobile consumer electronics applications. Read more

June 3, 2010 Atmel has announced production availability of the Atmel AT73C246 analog companion chip to provide power supplies and audio input/output to match the Atmel AT91SAM9 ARM9-based MCUs (and equivalent 32-bit devices) to host multimedia applications. Read more

June 1, 2010 Freescale Semiconductor has developed a high-performance audio and power management solution for Intel's new Atom processor-based platforms (formerly codenamed "Moorestown"). Read more

May 25, 2010 Virage Logic Corporation has expanded suite of certified, fully-optimized audio codecs that provide users with a robust and complete solution for a broad range of System-on-Chip (SoC) audio applications. Read more

May 5, 2010 Synopsys, Inc., has unveiled the DesignWare Ethernet Quality-of-Service (QoS) Controller IP which implements the new IEEE specifications for audio video bridging (AVB) features. Read more

May 5, 2010 Texas Instruments Incorporated has introduced audio codecs and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) for eBooks, mobile Internet devices and portable navigation devices. Read more

April 28, 2010 Extending TI's Burr-Brown Audio line, Texas Instruments Incorporated has introduced a family of JFET-input op amps featuring ultra-low noise and distortion to maximize audio system quality and performance. Read more

April 28, 2010 Wolfson Microelectronics plc and Tensilica, Inc., have inked a licence agreement to create a low power, high definition (HD) sound platform. Read more

April 27, 2010 NXT plc announced the strategic purchase of the intellectual property of Audium Semiconductor and associated assets. The company intends to use Audium integrated circuits to provide customers with complete audio platforms incorporating its proven Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) technology together with ultra-efficient power amplifiers. Read more

April 14, 2010 A new triple-rate (3G/HD/SD) audio/video clock generator from National Semiconductor Corp., eliminates the need for external clock conditioning in professional and broadcast video equipment. Read more

April 12, 2010 Conexant Systems launched a new family of multichannel audio/video (A/V) decoders targeted at video surveillance systems with digital video recording capabilities, video capture cards, and motion sensors. The CX25838 and CX25858 integrated devices enable up to eight video streams, or up to 16 video streams when in a cascaded configuration, to be captured and recorded simultaneously. Read more

April 1, 2010 Analog Devices, Inc., has introduced a pair of Class-D audio amplifiers for smart phones, GPS units and other handheld electronics where premium sound quality offers a major competitive advantage. Read more

March 22, 2010 Semiconductor manufacturer Rohm has announced the development of eighteen different sound processors optimized for increasingly sophisticated car- and home-audio systems. The greater number of inputs and outputs required to accommodate multiple audio sources and speakers for higher fidelity playback, coupled with the need for fine-tuning of the characteristics to match the acoustic effects of the particular environment, have created a demand for high performance, multifunctional sound processors. Read more

February 23, 2010 XMOS has launched a reference design for iPhone and iPod docks, which keeps the audio signal path end-to-end digital, from the iPod or iPhone via USB to the amplifier. Read more