World’s Most Highly Integrated SoC for TV SoundBar Audio Applications

That’s why Ismosys partner ESS Technology has developed a new generation of TV SoundBar SoCs for home-cinema digital sound and TV SoundBar applications. Called the Crescendo II, the new SoundBar SoC is the first available device to combine ESS’s highly acclaimed Sabre audio DAC (the world’s highest performance 32-bit audio D/A converter solution) with high-performance SoundBar decoding, audio post-processing and audio input/output functions in a monolithic 128-pin LQFP package.

The A/V decoder in the Crescendo II is built on the ESS proprietary dual CPU Programmable Multimedia Processor (PMP) core, which comprises a 32-bit RISC and 64-bit Media Processor that deliver the best SoundBar feature set. The SoC also integrates hardware parametric speaker equalisation, a 5.1ch Hyperstream PWM or D/A converters to deliver the best sound via digital or analog power amplifiers, a 2-input SPDIF receiver, a 3-input audio ADC for connection to line-in sources, an 8-channel I2S input for connection to HDMI repeater or Blu-ray processor. The device also includes remote and GPIO handlers for buttons and LEDs, and a FS USB 2.0 host controller for firmware upgrade or music playback from a USB drive or iPod.

Feature summary
• 32-bit RISC processor for the operating system
• 64-bit media processor for audio decoding, post-processing, lip-synchronization and sound effects such as virtual surround and bass enhancement and reverberation
• User-programmable 32-bit DSP for custom sound algorithms
• 6-channel patented HyperStream Class D or D/A converter for driving digital or analog power stages
• 3-input HyperStream stereo ADC for connection to line input sources,
• 2-input SPDIF receiver for connection to coaxial, optical or HDMI input sources
• 8-channel I2S input for connection to HDMI repeater or Blu-ray processor
• Flexible remote and GPIO module for connection to remote control, buttons and LEDs
• Full-speed USB 2.0 host controller for firmware upgrade or music playback from solid-state memory devices.

According to Ismosys’ product specialist Dave Blissett, the Crescendo II SoC sets a new benchmark in SoundBar audio quality while significantly lowering the overall system cost: “Thanks to its integration of ESS’s Sabre audio DAC, a technology usually found only in high-end audiophile and professional audio equipment, the Crescendo II enables audio OEMs to put spectacular music with an unsurpassed sound stage within the reach of everyone”, Blissett said. “Further, because it utilises ESS’s patented HyperStream modulator, the device is capable of 100% modulation and unconditional stability when driving a digital or an analog amplifier”.

The Crescendo II SoC is available now in 128-LQFP package.