XMOS launches end-to-end digital iPhone Dock reference design for high-quality audio reproduction
UK & USA - XMOS (www.xmos.com) 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.
Implemented entirely in software, using the XMOS XS1-L1 event driven processor™, the flexible design eliminates analog audio processing components making it resistant to RF interference and enabling bit-perfect digital audio streaming for highest fidelity audio performance.
32-bit digital signal processing with a 64-bit MAC avoids rounding errors, while zero clock jitter is assured by the design’s unique synchronous locally clocked architecture; a crucial factor in attaining accurate, full dynamic range sound reproduction.
By combining the digital signal path with the XMOS processor’s 185MIPS of spare DSP processing power, designers can readily add custom digital sound enhancements to further improve audio quality. Simple equalizer functions and psychoacoustic enhancements, such as bass boost and spatialization, can be introduced along with other 3rd party algorithm imports.
Joerg Bertholdt, VP of Marketing at XMOS said, “The convenience of the iPod and iPhone means its a great place for people to keep all of their music, allowing them to play it back in a variety of ways. With our end-to-end digital reference design, we help our customers to bring iPod and iPhone docking solutions to market that sound just great!”
Programmed in C, XC and C++ languages, the XS1-L1 event driven processor at the heart of the reference design provides users with a fully flexible embedded software defined workflow. As well as its audio processing capability, it also offers a wide choice of digital audio interfaces including I2S, SPDIF, 1bit soft-DAC and PWM and will support development of custom ‘front-of-box’ peripherals and control code.
The processor firmware can also be updated at any point in the future using device firmware updates providing the opportunity to offer subscription based services for product enhancements, software and hardware upgrades.
The XMOS digital iPod dock reference design is available to registered “Made for iPod” licensees to enable fast development of products that are compatible with the iPhone and iPod. The XMOS XS1-L1 event-driven processor is priced at under $5 for 10k unit quantities.
XMOS is transforming the way in which electronic products are designed. Its revolutionary event-driven multi-core processors make it easy to build systems entirely in software. XMOS designers enjoy the fastest route from idea to product, using standard programmable chips to create complete systems combining interface, DSP and control software.
For designers in leading electronics brands, entrepreneurs and researchers, XMOS enables innovation and dramatically reduces costs. XMOS is based in Bristol (UK), Sunnyvale (CA, USA) and Chennai (India) with sales offices and representatives across the world.
