Motorola Unveils New High-Speed Digital Audio Super-Chip; Fast 120 MIPS DSP Decodes Major Audio Formats, Needs No External Memory - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Dec 13, 1999

A new level of affordable audio performance will be within the reach of mainstream home audiophiles thanks to the new Symphony audio digital signal processor (DSP) chip from Motorola.

The chip, named DSP56366, greatly increases performance and integration for the consumer industry's digital audio products.

With performance of 120 MIPS, the DSP56366 provides the capability to process all the major multichannel audio decoding standards (Dolby Digital, DTS, MP3, AAC, MLP and MPEG2) along with Dolby Digital Consumer Encoding in a single device.

It also handles other audio processing requirements such as subwoofer management, soundfield effects, 3D virtual surrounds, equalization, Surround EX, Lucasfilm THX Cinema processing, and Pacific Microsonics HDCD.

The DSP56366 is the first chip to support the high level of audio compression, decoding and processing required for next generation DVD, digital TV, A/V receiver and automotive audio with no additional external memory required. Even the coefficient tables required for DTS decoding can be incorporated in the DSP56366's 240Kbyte internal ROM.

The DSP56366 is an enhanced version of Motorola's popular DSP56362, which is currently in production. The DSP56362 will also be offered in 120 MIPS, increased from the original performance of 100 MIPS.

In addition to supporting the decoding standards, which may require up to 70 MIPS, manufacturers can use the remaining 50+ MIPS to differentiate their products with unique audio functions.

"The ability to perform in excess of expectations has become a hallmark of Motorola's family of 56300 digital audio Symphony DSPs," said Valerie Hase, operations manager of Motorola's Digital Audio Operation. "The 56366 audio DSP is the latest example of how Digital DNA from Motorola brings greater functionality and flexibility to consumer audio systems.

"The higher speed and memory integration of this device will mean fewer chips in the system -- the DSP56366 is set to power the next generation of cost-effective, high-performance home theatre systems."

The suggested resale price for the DSP56366 is under $20 in quantities of 50,000. Contact a Motorola sales office or an authorized distributor for exact pricing information. Samples, development tools, and documentation will be available in early first quarter, 2000. Volume production is expected by mid-year.

The DSP56366 is a fully compatible member of the Motorola DSP56360 family of Symphony DSPs, and can utilize the proven DSP56362 development system. A comprehensive set of development tools is available for the DSP56362. Free DSP56300 assembler and simulator tools are downloadable from Motorola's website at www.dspaudio.motorola.com.

Additional C compilers and debugging software tools are available from third parties. The DSP56362 Audio Design Development System is available today from Momentum Data Systems, and Motorola offers a low cost DSP56362EVM reference design/evaluation system.

As the world's No. 1 producer of embedded processors, Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector offers multiple DigitalDNA solutions which enable its customers to create new business opportunities in the consumer, networking and computing, transportation and wireless communications markets. Motorola's worldwide semiconductor sales were (USD)$7.3 billion in l998. http://sps.motorola.com

Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1998 were (USD)$29.4 billion. http://www.motorola.com.