Conexant Systems, a supplier of semiconductor solutions for imaging, audio, embedded-modem and video applications, has reportedly introduced a new family of audio system-on-chip solutions for embedded audio and voice applications.

 

The highly integrated SoCs, dubbed CX2070X SoCs, are targeted at growing audio opportunities in multimedia IP phones, personal navigation devices, portable media players and mobile Internet devices as well as audio headsets, unified communications systems that support services such as VoIP, the company said.

 

Additionally, these solutions can enable audio capabilities in intercom and door phone applications. Company officials said that CX2070X SoCs come with an integrated audio/voice digital signal processor (DSP), multi-bit codec, digital and analog input/out interfaces.

 

In addition, the solutions are also equipped with 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.

 

Key features include Conexant-proprietary technical innovations that “significantly” improve audio and voice quality. These include sub-band acoustic echo cancellation, beam-forming, end-to-end noise reduction, line-echo cancellation, BrightSound; 3-D Phantom Speakers and 3-D Virtual Immersion.

 

Sub-band acoustic echo-cancellation algorithm eliminates speaker-to-microphone feedback while preserving natural sounding voice for high-quality, echo-free voice conversations, said company officials.

 

The 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.

 

While the two dynamic noise reduction filters for the incoming and outgoing audio streams eliminate ambient near- and far-end noises, the advanced line echo filter eliminates echo from twisted-pair crossover on a full duplex two-wire hybrid network.

 

Company officials said that BrightSound is a comprehensive 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.

 

The 3-D Phantom Speakers, a psychoacoustic stereo expansion algorithm, change the listener’s perception of sound by widening the output from narrowly separated speakers to create a closer-to-live sound experience. And, the 3-D Virtual Immersion can be tuned to create a headphone-like experience that concentrates sound on an intended listener without increasing the actual volume, said officials.

 

René Hartner, vice president of marketing at Conexant, said that these innovative solutions feature a powerful suite of Conexant-developed technical innovations that dramatically improve audio and voice quality and the user experience.

 

In addition, an easy-to-use software configuration tool allows developers to customize audio systems and optimize listening experiences,” he added.

 

The CX2070X SPoCs are available in a variety of configurations. Company officials said that the new solutions can also be used with the company’s CX92735 imaging SoC, allowing manufacturers to add audio capabilities to “connected” frames and interactive display devices.