ON Semiconductor Launches Next Generation Audio Processor for Portable Communication Devices

ON Semiconductor Launches Next Generation Audio Processor for Portable Communication Devices

ON Semiconductor announced BelaSigna 300, an ultra-low-power high-fidelity audio processor for mobile phones, hands-free kits (HFKs) for automobiles, and wireless headsets.

BelaSigna 300 delivers superior audio clarity without compromising size or battery life

ON Semiconductor has announced the latest member in its BelaSigna family of audio processors BelaSigna 300, an ultra-low-power high-fidelity audio processor targets portable communication devices such as mobile phones, hands-free kits (HFKs) for automobiles, and wireless headsets.

BelaSigna 300 is the ideal solution for communication device manufacturers and audio processing algorithm developers looking to improve audio clarity. The device’s unique, patented dual-core architecture enables multiple advanced audio algorithms, such as echo cancellation and noise reduction, to run simultaneously while maintaining ultra-low power consumption.

A 24-bit open-programmable DSP core and a highly configurable accelerator signal processing engine enables BelaSigna 300 to deliver the flexibility of a generic DSP with the power consumption and size of a fixed function ASIC. The addition of advanced analog audio inputs combined with the 24-bit signal path allows for superior audio quality. BelaSigna 300 can be designed into new or existing designs with little or no impact on the overall form-factor of the communication device.

“The BelaSigna 300 is the next step in our strategy to provide the best audio quality with the smallest, most capable audio processors at the lowest power consumption,” said Michel De Mey, senior director of ON Semiconductor’s hearing and audio solutions group.

“Moving to a 24-bit datapath architecture combined with an overall reduction in power consumption will allow our customers to perform more signal processing,” said David Coode manager of ON Semiconductor’s audio solutions team. “While portable electronics form-factors continue to shrink, sound quality will continue to improve.”

“Customer demands for very high quality audio in all types of portable communication devices are fueling the need for audio processors with extended compute capability and very low power dissipation,” said Jordan Selburn, principal analyst at iSuppli Corporation, El Segundo, California. “This will be a very attractive market for companies selling audio processing subsystems for the foreseeable future.”

To complement BelaSigna 300, ON Semiconductor is also releasing an advanced, full-duplex echo cancelling algorithm, specifically designed for the new BelaSigna 300 architecture. The algorithm is applicable to headset and hands-free kit manufacturers.

Portable Audio Device Trends
Legislation that prohibits the use of a handheld mobile phone while driving is already passed or being considered in many countries around the world, influencing hands-free kit and wireless headset adoption. With the need for echo cancellation and noise suppression due to the challenging sound environment of a vehicle, there is an increased burden on the audio processing systems within those devices. Similarly, mobile phone users are often faced with situations where they are not clearly heard in noisy environments. Consumers are demanding better sound quality, which in turn requires equipment manufacturers and system designers to integrate more advanced audio processing capabilities into their portable audio devices. Often this must be accomplished in a smaller form factor while improving battery life.

Pricing and Availability
The BelaSigna 300 audio processor is available in an RoHS compliant 3.63 x 2.68mm WLCSP package. BelaSigna 300 will be priced to facilitate design in consumer electronics applications. For more information, please visit www.belasigna.com, or contact your local sales representative.