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Dspfactory Introduces Complete Ultra-Low Power Audio Processing Solutions For Bluetooth Applications WATERLOO, Ontario --(Business Wire)-- June 7, 2004 -- Bundled Algorithms Enable Rapid Time-to-Market While Delivering Outstanding Audio QualityDspfactory Ltd., a leading provider of ultra-low power digital signal processing (DSP) technology for digital hearing aids, wireless headsets and other portable audio devices today announced that its single-chip BelaSigna(TM) 200 audio processing system is now available with bundled signal processing algorithms that have been optimized for use in Bluetooth(TM) telecommunication and streaming audio applications. Demonstrations of the algorithms implemented on BelaSigna 200 will be featured at Dspfactory's Booth #514 at WiCon World 2004 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, June 8 - 10, 2004. Manufacturers of Bluetooth wireless devices rely on BelaSigna 200 to deliver advanced audio processing in power- and size-constrained devices, such as telecom and stereo audio headsets. A growing number of manufacturers are developing or porting their own algorithms to the BelaSigna 200 platform or are using algorithms created for BelaSigna 200 by an international network of third-party developers. Today's announcement gives OEMs and ODMs a third option -- implementing a complete DSP-based audio processing solution using BelaSigna 200 with bundled algorithms from Dspfactory. "Many manufacturers either don't have signal processing expertise internally, or are looking to reduce their development time by using a complete, proven DSP solution with integrated hardware and software," said Todd Schneider, Dspfactory's vice president of technology. "We created these bundles to make it easy for manufacturers to develop high-quality DSP-enabled devices, and get them to market quickly." The BelaSigna 200-based bundles integrate seamlessly with the SiW3500(TM) UltimateBlue(TM) Bluetooth integrated circuit from RF Micro Devices. Telecom headset users will benefit from noise reduction and enhanced speech clarity -- both for them and for the people they talk to -- while users of Bluetooth stereo headphones will be able to listen to music in full high-fidelity quality. And because the integrated algorithms are optimized for BelaSigna 200, the bundles deliver high-end audio performance while consuming very little power, enabling superior battery life and allowing manufacturers to use smaller batteries in their designs. Unveiled today were bundles for three different applications: BelaSigna 200 Telecom Bundle Processes incoming and outgoing signals in telecom headsets, allowing clear two-way communication. Includes algorithms that filter out noises normally transmitted or received during phone conversations, and an adaptive audibility enhancer that dynamically maintains audibility and intelligibility by using a psychoacoustic model to automatically adjust volume for optimal listening comfort. BelaSigna 200 Streaming Audio Bundle For wireless reception of high-fidelity stereo sound -- ideal for listening to music through portable audio players, notebook computers, and the growing number of other sources of streaming stereo audio. Includes the A2DP-compliant Sub Band Codec (SBC) to ensure seamless interoperability with all Bluetooth devices. BelaSigna 200 Combination Bundle (Telecom and Streaming Audio) A breakthrough application that allows automatic transitions within a single device between mono voice applications and stereo streaming audio. A user can listen to music, take a phone call, and then go back to music all on the same headset and with optimal processing delivered on-the-fly for each application. All three bundles are available starting in July, and Dspfactory plans to release additional application-specific bundles for BelaSigna 200 in the future. The single-chip, ultra-miniature BelaSigna 200 platform consumes less than 7 mA running at 1.8 V. It contains a DSP core, stereo CODEC, memory, power management, and a patented, highly efficient, hardware-based WOLA filterbank coprocessor, which greatly reduces power consumption and chip size while providing low group delay and adjustable parameters for easy integration into a wide range of headset designs. "Headsets are one of the fastest-growing markets for Bluetooth technology, and OEMs and ODMs are looking for the smallest, most power-efficient solutions to deliver the enhanced audio quality made possible by digital signal processing," said Dspfactory president Robert Tong. "With these bundles, we're providing a one-stop shop where they can get all the audio processing hardware and software they need to rapidly integrate proven, high-quality DSP technology into any form factor they design." Dspfactory supports an expanding list of software partners that are developing specialized algorithms for BelaSigna 200. For manufacturers that want to develop or port their own algorithms, Dspfactory continues to provide a full set of tools and support to facilitate development on the BelaSigna 200 platform. About Dspfactory Dspfactory Ltd. is a leading provider of ultra-low power audio processing systems for portable and wearable devices. Many of the world's top electronic device manufacturers rely on Dspfactory's reconfigurable integrated circuit solutions to deliver exceptional audio performance. Dspfactory's micro-miniature technology is optimized for digital hearing aids, wireless headsets, and other portable, battery-powered devices. Dspfactory also provides development tools, training and audio expertise to accelerate the implementation of digital signal processing (DSP) solutions. Founded in 1998 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, Dspfactory has facilities in Canada and Switzerland. For more information, visit www.dspfactory.com. Dspfactory and BelaSigna are trademarks of Dspfactory Ltd. RF Micro Devices, the SiW product name prefix and UltimateBlue are trademarks of RFMD, LLC. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dspfactory Ltd. under license. All other trade names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. |
