New Nordic nRF2460 audio streamer IC

New NordicnRF2460 audio streamer IC delivers unique class-leading cost and powerop timization for mono wireless audio applications

Available now, the Nordic nRF2460 2.4GHz audiostreamer IC delivers up to 100-hours of operation from two AAA batteries andtargets cost-sensitive, mono audio applications like microphones, subwoofers,musical instruments, and gaming mics. The nRF2460 delivers crystal clearuncompressed 16-bit PCM digital mono audio – even in challenging RFinterference environments – and features an integrated 4Mbps 2.4GHz radio,adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) protocol, and innovative quality of service(QoS) engine, while being priced at just USD $1.50 for 10k volume shipments

2011/06/28

NEW PRODUCT:WIRELESS AUDIO

Oslo, Norway – June 28, 2011 – Ultra low power(ULP) RF specialist Nordic Semiconductor ASA (OSE: NOD) today announces theimmediate availability of the new Nordic nRF2460 audio streamer IC that offersunique, class-leading power optimization and performance specifically for cost-sensitivebattery-powered mono (single channel) wireless audio applications such asmicrophones (e.g. home karaoke and conference), subwoofers (home cinema),musical instruments (wireless audio adapters), and gaming (e.g. singing gamemics).

Developed in close collaboration with premierdigital audio converter specialist AKM Semiconductor, Inc., the Nordic nRF2460delivers a unique combination of crystal clear uncompressed 16-bit PCM digitalaudio, audio latency as low as 22ms, a battery operating lifetime of up to100-hours from two AAA prime cells, and low cost.

In operation, a 4Mbps 2.4GHz radio combined withan optimized adaptive frequency (AFH) hopping protocol and unique audio Qualityof Service (QoS) engine enable the nRF2460 to maintain robust wireless audioco-existence, even in challenging RF environments that include other common2.4GHz interference sources such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology.The nRF2460 includes smart retransmission of lost packets and minimal audibleeffects from lost data. The nRF2460's 4Mbps bandwidth also provides ample spaceto support an auxiliary wireless data channel for user control functions suchas mute and volume up/down.

The nRF2460 is available in a compact 6 x 6mm QFN package and can operate with asingle low cost 16MHz ±50ppm external crystal. I2S, SPI and I2C interfaces also provide seamlessinterfacing with external audio ADCs, DACs, and microcontrollers.

“With the nRF2460 we have taken a completelydifferent route to other wireless audio solutions currently available on themarket," explains Nordic's Product Manager, Thomas Embla Bonnerud."Instead of trying to make a 'one size fits all' solution for the widestrange of applications, we focused exclusively on delivering a cost and power optimizedsolution for wireless mono audio. The result of this a unique, class-leading,low power, low cost solution that sacrifices nothing in audio quality andco-existence performance in a number of popular applications."

Bonnerud continues: "This could not have beenachieved without the close cooperation and audio expertise of AKM Semiconductorwhen developing and testing this product. Their insight into the fundamentalsof preserving audio quality and understanding of the practical aspects whenapplying this to wireless audio was indispensable in the development of theunique AFH protocol and QoS engine embedded into the new nRF2460 chip.”

"We have tested a wide range of wireless monoaudio solutions from different vendors and nothing so far comes close thequality and performance achieved by the Nordic nRF2460 audio streamerchip," adds Richard Kulavik, Director of Applications and Marketing at AKMSemiconductor.

The nRF2460 is sampling today and priced at USD $1.50 in 10k shipments. Also availabletoday is the Nordic nRFgo-compatible nRF2460-DK development kit (priced at USD$99) that enables engineers to quickly evaluate, test, and prototype a wirelessaudio application based on the nRF2460.