Dialog enhances Freescale Tower System development platform with latest advanced audio codec module

OEMs can now use Dialog’s latest low power audio codec to significantly improve the consumer’s audio experience. Dialog’s DA7321 codec delivers louder and cleaner audio by using a multi-channel architecture to digitally mix and route multiple audio streams. An on-chip, Digital Signal Processor offloads audio software from the host processor, enabling OEMs to benefit from consistent high quality audio. It also eliminates the need to re-encode the audio data in multi-channel applications. By using the DSP to process the audio signal, OEMs developing with the Freescale Tower System will benefit from:

-More perceived volume to the audio signal without headphone or speaker distortion;
-Psychoacoustic bass boost to improve perceived low frequencies;
-Patented SRS Sound to improve the audio image size, bass sensation and audio system dynamics.

The Freescale Tower System is a modular, expandable, open source development platform for 8, 16 and 32-bit MCUs and MPUs. The interchangeable and reusable modules and open source design files make it easy to customise a product and reduce low level design, giving OEMs more time to focus on creating differentiated solutions.

Udo Kratz, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mobile Systems Business Group at Dialog Semiconductor commented, “Freescale is a global leader in processing solutions with a broad portfolio of microprocessors and microcontrollers, offering a unique ecosystem approach for their customers. Dialog is delighted to continue to expand our partnership with Freescale with our latest multi-channel audio codec with dual I2S that gives OEMs the design flexibility they need to develop new generations of high performance audio peripherals.”

Rudan Bettelheim, Audio and Accessories Business Development Manager at Freescale notes, “Dialog is enabling OEMs to build and evaluate innovative new audio accessories quickly while maximising hardware re-use across their product ranges by providing an optimised audio solution that is supported by the Freescale Tower System.”

The DA7321 is offered in a in a 64 pin BGA package with a 0.5mm pitch, with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, and can be found onboard the new TWR-AUDIO-DA7321 peripheral module for the Freescale Tower System.