Cirrus Logic, Inc. has launched a new audio solution, specifically for PCs, that enables a louder, more immersive audio experience with deep bass and minimum distortion. The smart amplifier and audio codec combination also helps simplify design, while saving board space and bill-of-materials costs.
The PC-optimized audio solution improves both speaker and headphone listening experiences, including listening to voice calls and music from the small internal speakers on laptops or from headphones. The new solution includes the CS35L56 smart amplifier with enough processing power to deliver higher performance audio and the low-power CS42L43 SmartHIFI PC audio codec that integrates a MIPI SoundWire interface (v1.2). This integration contributes to simpler designs, a lower component count and board space and cost savings.
The PC market continues to shrink the size and weight of their form factors, calling for smaller components, as well as higher-performing audio solutions for applications such as gaming, video and video conferencing. The smart amplifier and codec combo offers a smaller audio solution with fewer components and lower power.
In terms of sound performance, the CS35L56 smart amplifier is designed to help PC manufacturers add audio with a deeper bass, balanced sound and dynamic range from compact multiple-speaker designs on thin laptops. It does this with integrated features, including an onboard DSP, sensing hardware, notebook battery voltage boost and protection and enhancement algorithms to deliver PC audio that maximizes loudness and increases quality and consistency while minimizing rattle and vibration, said the company.
The CS35L56 smart amplifier includes an onboard DSP, speaker sensing hardware and notebook battery voltage boost. (Source: Cirrus Logic)
“The CS35L56 amplifier consistently extracts maximum performance from novel form factors, such as 360s and detachable 2-in-1s and folios, and new high-excursion and force-cancelling speakers without noticeable speaker degradation,” said Cirrus Logic.
The CS42L43 PC audio codec is designed to deliver consistent premium audio quality – with voice clarity, high dynamic range and low distortion – across different headphones, which can vary in acoustic characteristics, according to the company. The audio solution delivers 2.25× less distortion, 2× sound pressure and bass and an ½ octave deeper bass.
Cirrus Logic said it is important to consider headphone types during the design process or users may hear different sound from different headphones on the same laptop.
In addition, the CS42L43 audio codec offers lower power consumption and a smaller package size. The codec delivers 50 percent lower power than other available solutions, said the company, which contributes to a longer PC battery life. Available in a 13-mm2 chip scale package (WLCSP) it contributes to a combined solution that is more than 50 percent smaller compared to competing products, according to the company.
The audio solution also makes it easier to scale across different products and designs. By combining a hardware, firmware and Windows driver solution, the audio solution is compatible across leading processors and any number of speakers. In addition, the amplifier provides simple integration with a SoundWire Device Class Audio (SDCA) manager, making it easier to transition to the SoundWire interface, and it works within Microsoft’s ACX framework.
The 55-nm process CS35L56 is available in a commercial-grade 34-pin QFN package. The CS42L43 audio codec is available in a commercial-grade, 70-ball WLCSP and a commercial-grade, 88-pin QFN package. Samples are available now with production volumes expected to begin in 2023.
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