Analog Devices Introduces SigmaDSP® Digital Audio Processing Solutions for Advanced TV and Multimedia Players

Business Wire, Dec 5, 2005

NORWOOD, Mass. -- New SigmaDSP digital audio processors combine data converters with robust digital audio processing core in powerful, yet easy-to-use solutions.

Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications, today announced it has expanded its SigmaDSP(R) digital audio processor family to include three new products tailored for the high performance needs of advanced television and audio systems, such as high-definition TVs (HDTV) and increasingly popular "portable/dockable" speaker systems for multimedia players. Designers of these performance-driven but time- and cost-sensitive consumer applications are looking for full-system integration, high reliability and audiophile sound quality, all of which the SigmaDSP digital audio processors deliver. The new offerings include:

Audio Matches Video with SigmaDSP Digital Audio Processor for Advanced TV

Powered by the fastest DSP engine in the SigmaDSP family, the ADAV400's 125 MHz speed is ideal for the needs of audio processing in next-generation TV applications that combine high-definition formats and flat panel (plasma and LCD-TV) display technologies. The device integrates a powerful 56-bit audio processing core with analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that offer better than 95dB dynamic range. This combination of features enables HDTVs to deliver a vastly improved audio experience that matches their superior visual quality. Also included on-chip is a delay memory feature that is specifically targeted to compensate for the video processing delay of today's advanced TVs, ensuring that video and audio are perfectly in sync. The ADAV400 also supports 16 channels of digital I/O (I(2)S) to ensure maximum user flexibility.

Digital Audio Systems Benefit From Stand-Alone SigmaDSP Subsystems

The ADAU1701 and ADAU1702, which offer designers a choice of a 50 MHz DSP engine or an efficient 25 MHz DSP engine, are especially suited to digital audio applications, such as docking stations for iPod and MP3 players, car radios and powered speakers that traditionally use all-analog signal processing implementations. The devices integrate ADCs and DACs, multi-channel digital I/O (I(2)S) and delay memory, and feature self-boot, external control and physical push-button and volume control interfaces to provide a complete, turnkey solution for system designs, eliminating the need for a separate processor or microcontroller. The devices work well with ADI's AD199x family of Class-D amplifiers, which offer best-in-class sound amplification and EMI reduction.

"These new digital audio processors embed powerful audio processing capabilities into system-on-a-chip solutions targeted for highly-integrated applications, giving designers the flexibility to choose the optimum architectural implementation to meet their unique product requirements," said Martin Cotter, product line director, precision signal processing for Analog Devices.

The new SigmaDSPs, used together with the SigmaStudio(TM) GUI (graphical user interface) design tool, provide a fully automated hardware and software system design environment.

SigmaStudio(TM) Design Tool is User Friendly

Requiring no DSP programming knowledge, SigmaStudio employs a user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface that allows designers to easily build multi-channel digital audio platforms by selecting from a library of audio function blocks, including volume controls, crossover and equalizer filters, and professional-grade dynamic processors. SigmaStudio also enables the easy implementation of industry-standard licensed algorithms, such as SRS TruSurroundXT(TM), Waves MaxxBass(TM), Dolby Prologic-II(R) or BBE-Viva(TM). The SigmaStudio's ease-of-use gives analog audio engineers as well as experienced digital designers an advantage by allowing them to reduce development time and cost, accelerate time to market, and still deliver premium sound quality for high-volume applications despite the constraints of tight market windows and a competitive price points.

Availability and Pricing

The ADAV400 is available now in sample quantities. The device is packaged in a lead-free 80-pin LQFP (low profile quad flat pack) with prices starting at $5.63 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities. Evaluation boards, including the SigmaStudio design tool, are available now for $699.

The ADAU1701, featuring a 50 MHz DSP, and the ADAU1702 with its 25 MHz DSP are available now in sample quantities, packaged in a lead-free, 48-pin LQFP. The ADAU1701 is priced at $3.72 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities while the ADAU1702 is priced at $2.93 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities. Evaluation boards for both devices, including the SigmaStudio design tool, are available now in limited quantities for $699.

For more information, please visit www.analog.com/sigmaDSP.> About Analog Devices

Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "ADI" and is included in the S&P 500 Index.